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diff --git a/vim73/doc/eval.txt b/vim73/doc/eval.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d1c0b02 --- /dev/null +++ b/vim73/doc/eval.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8365 @@ +*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.3. Last change: 2010 Dec 01 + + + VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar + + +Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval* + +Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|. + +Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been +done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and +|no-eval-feature|. + +1. Variables |variables| + 1.1 Variable types + 1.2 Function references |Funcref| + 1.3 Lists |Lists| + 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries| + 1.5 More about variables |more-variables| +2. Expression syntax |expression-syntax| +3. Internal variable |internal-variables| +4. Builtin Functions |functions| +5. Defining functions |user-functions| +6. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names| +7. Commands |expression-commands| +8. Exception handling |exception-handling| +9. Examples |eval-examples| +10. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature| +11. The sandbox |eval-sandbox| +12. Textlock |textlock| + +{Vi does not have any of these commands} + +============================================================================== +1. Variables *variables* + +1.1 Variable types ~ + *E712* +There are six types of variables: + +Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number* + Examples: -123 0x10 0177 + +Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float* + {only when compiled with the |+float| feature} + Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3 + +String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes). + |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c' + +Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|. + Example: function("strlen") + +List An ordered sequence of items |List|. + Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']] + +Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a + value. |Dictionary| + Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"} + +The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they +are used. + +Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of +the Number. Examples: + Number 123 --> String "123" ~ + Number 0 --> String "0" ~ + Number -1 --> String "-1" ~ + *octal* +Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits +to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If +the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: + String "456" --> Number 456 ~ + String "6bar" --> Number 6 ~ + String "foo" --> Number 0 ~ + String "0xf1" --> Number 241 ~ + String "0100" --> Number 64 ~ + String "-8" --> Number -8 ~ + String "+8" --> Number 0 ~ + +To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: > + :echo "0100" + 0 +< 64 ~ + +To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different +base, use |str2nr()|. + +For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE. + +Note that in the command > + :if "foo" +"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string, +use strlen(): > + :if strlen("foo") +< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731* +List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted. + + *E805* *E806* *E808* +When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise +there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String +to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number. + + *E706* *sticky-type-checking* +You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need +to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered +equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of +commands: > + :let l = "string" + :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number + :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number + :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float + :let l = "string" " error! + + +1.2 Function references ~ + *Funcref* *E695* *E718* +A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used +in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis +around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: > + + :let Fn = function("MyFunc") + :echo Fn() +< *E704* *E705* *E707* +A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You +cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name. + +A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a +Dictionary entry. Example: > + :function dict.init() dict + : let self.val = 0 + :endfunction + +The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual +function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|. + +A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: > + :call Fn() + :call dict.init() + +The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. > + :let func = string(Fn) + +You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the +arguments: > + :let r = call(Fn, mylist) + + +1.3 Lists ~ + *List* *Lists* *E686* +A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items +can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any +position in the sequence. + + +List creation ~ + *E696* *E697* +A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets. +Examples: > + :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"] + :let emptylist = [] + +An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a +List of Lists: > + :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]] + +An extra comma after the last item is ignored. + + +List index ~ + *list-index* *E684* +An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets +after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. > + :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1 + :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3 + +When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: > + :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12 +< +A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in +the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. > + :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four" + +To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item +is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: > + :echo get(mylist, idx) + :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE") + + +List concatenation ~ + +Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: > + :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6] + :let mylist += [7, 8] + +To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around +it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below. + + +Sublist ~ + +A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index, +separated by a colon in square brackets: > + :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"] + +Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is +similar to -1. > + :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"] + :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3] + :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List + +If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is +before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error +message. + +If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the +length minus one is used: > + :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3] + :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3] + +NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for +using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed: +mylist[s : e]. + + +List identity ~ + *list-identity* +When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both +variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also +change "bb": > + :let aa = [1, 2, 3] + :let bb = aa + :call add(aa, 4) + :echo bb +< [1, 2, 3, 4] + +Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also +works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing +a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: > + :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3] + :let bb = copy(aa) + :call add(aa, 4) + :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa' + :echo aa +< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] > + :echo bb +< [[1, aaa], 2, 3] + +To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a +copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep. + +The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same +List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have +the same value. > + :let alist = [1, 2, 3] + :let blist = [1, 2, 3] + :echo alist is blist +< 0 > + :echo alist == blist +< 1 + +Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the +same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one +exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered +different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on +variables. Example: > + echo 4 == "4" +< 1 > + echo [4] == ["4"] +< 0 + +Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You +can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: > + + :let a = 5 + :let b = "5" + :echo a == b +< 1 > + :echo [a] == [b] +< 0 + + +List unpack ~ + +To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in +square brackets, like list items: > + :let [var1, var2] = mylist + +When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list +this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";" +and a variable name: > + :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist + +This works like: > + :let var1 = mylist[0] + :let var2 = mylist[1] + :let rest = mylist[2:] + +Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an +empty list then. + + +List modification ~ + *list-modification* +To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: > + :let list[4] = "four" + :let listlist[0][3] = item + +To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be +modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: > + :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5] + +Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few +examples: > + :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a' + :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3] + :call add(list, "new") " append String item + :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item + :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items + :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3 + :unlet list[3] " idem + :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item + :unlet list[3 : ] " idem + :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x' + +Changing the order of items in a list: > + :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically + :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items + + +For loop ~ + +The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set +to each item in the list in sequence. Example: > + :for item in mylist + : call Doit(item) + :endfor + +This works like: > + :let index = 0 + :while index < len(mylist) + : let item = mylist[index] + : :call Doit(item) + : let index = index + 1 + :endwhile + +Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this +results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of +the loop. + +If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()| +function will be a simpler method than a for loop. + +Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This +requires the argument to be a list of lists. > + :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]] + : call Doit(lnum, col) + :endfor + +This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types +must remain the same to avoid an error. + +It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: > + :for [i, j; rest] in listlist + : call Doit(i, j) + : if !empty(rest) + : echo "remainder: " . string(rest) + : endif + :endfor + + +List functions ~ + *E714* +Functions that are useful with a List: > + :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list + :if empty(list) " check if list is empty + :let l = len(list) " number of items in list + :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list + :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list + :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list + :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list + :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer + :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer + :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string + :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items + :let s = string(list) " String representation of list + :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item + +Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For +example, to add up all the numbers in a list: > + :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+') + + +1.4 Dictionaries ~ + *Dictionaries* *Dictionary* +A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The +entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific +ordering. + + +Dictionary creation ~ + *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723* +A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly +braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can +only appear once. Examples: > + :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'} + :let emptydict = {} +< *E713* *E716* *E717* +A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a +String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same +entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the +Number will be converted to the String '4'. + +A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a +nested Dictionary: > + :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}} + +An extra comma after the last entry is ignored. + + +Accessing entries ~ + +The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: > + :let val = mydict["one"] + :let mydict["four"] = 4 + +You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists. + +For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following +form can be used |expr-entry|: > + :let val = mydict.one + :let mydict.four = 4 + +Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and +key lookup can be repeated: > + :echo dict.key[idx].key + + +Dictionary to List conversion ~ + +You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to +turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|. + +Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: > + :for key in keys(mydict) + : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key] + :endfor + +The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: > + :for key in sort(keys(mydict)) + +To loop over the values use the |values()| function: > + :for v in values(mydict) + : echo "value: " . v + :endfor + +If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns +a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: > + :for [key, value] in items(mydict) + : echo key . ': ' . value + :endfor + + +Dictionary identity ~ + *dict-identity* +Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a +Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same +Dictionary: > + :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2} + :let adict = onedict + :let adict['a'] = 11 + :echo onedict['a'] + 11 + +Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For +more info see |list-identity|. + + +Dictionary modification ~ + *dict-modification* +To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry, +use |:let| this way: > + :let dict[4] = "four" + :let dict['one'] = item + +Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|. +Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: > + :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa') + :unlet dict.aaa + :unlet dict['aaa'] + +Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: > + :call extend(adict, bdict) +This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries +in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this. +Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't +expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in +adict. + +Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: > + :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"') +This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'. + + +Dictionary function ~ + *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725* +When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a +special way with a dictionary. Example: > + :function Mylen() dict + : return len(self.data) + :endfunction + :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")} + :echo mydict.len() + +This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the +Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary +the function was invoked from. + +It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a +Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then. + + *numbered-function* *anonymous-function* +To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly +assigned to a Dictionary in this way: > + :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]} + :function mydict.len() dict + : return len(self.data) + :endfunction + :echo mydict.len() + +The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref| +that references this function. The function can only be used through a +|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref| +remaining that refers to it. + +It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function. + +If you get an error for a numbered function, you can find out what it is with +a trick. Assuming the function is 42, the command is: > + :function {42} + + +Functions for Dictionaries ~ + *E715* +Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: > + :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo" + :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty + :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict + :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict + :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict + :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict + :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict + :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item + + +1.5 More about variables ~ + *more-variables* +If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()| +function. + +When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that +start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are +stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|. + +When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that +start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are +stored in the session file |session-file|. + +variable name can be stored where ~ +my_var_6 not +My_Var_6 session file +MY_VAR_6 viminfo file + + +It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see +|curly-braces-names|. + +============================================================================== +2. Expression syntax *expression-syntax* + +Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant: + +|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else + +|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR + +|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND + +|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal + expr5 != expr5 not equal + expr5 > expr5 greater than + expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal + expr5 < expr5 smaller than + expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal + expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches + expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match + + expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case + expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case + etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for + matching case + + expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance + expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance + +|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation + expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction + expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation + +|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication + expr7 / expr7 .. number division + expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo + +|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT + - expr7 unary minus + + expr7 unary plus + + +|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List| + expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List| + expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| + expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable + +|expr9| number number constant + "string" string constant, backslash is special + 'string' string constant, ' is doubled + [expr1, ...] |List| + {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary| + &option option value + (expr1) nested expression + variable internal variable + va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces + $VAR environment variable + @r contents of register 'r' + function(expr1, ...) function call + func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces + + +".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated. +Example: > + &nu || &list && &shell == "csh" + +All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right. + + +expr1 *expr1* *E109* +----- + +expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 + +The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to +non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':', +otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'. +Example: > + :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum + +Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The +other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:. +Example: > + :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum + +To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: > + :echo lnum == 1 + :\ ? "top" + :\ : lnum == 1000 + :\ ? "last" + :\ : lnum + +You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for +use in a variable such as "a:1". + + +expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3* +--------------- + + *expr-barbar* *expr-&&* +The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments +are (converted to) Numbers. The result is: + + input output ~ +n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~ +zero zero zero zero +zero non-zero non-zero zero +non-zero zero non-zero zero +non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero + +The operators can be concatenated, for example: > + + &nu || &list && &shell == "csh" + +Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: > + + &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh") + +Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further +arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: > + + let a = 1 + echo a || b + +This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero, +so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: > + + echo exists("b") && b == "yes" + +This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will +only be evaluated if "b" has been defined. + + +expr4 *expr4* +----- + +expr5 {cmp} expr5 + +Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1 +if it evaluates to true. + + *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=* + *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~* + *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#* + *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#* + *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?* + *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?* + *expr-is* + use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~ +equal == ==# ==? +not equal != !=# !=? +greater than > ># >? +greater than or equal >= >=# >=? +smaller than < <# <? +smaller than or equal <= <=# <=? +regexp matches =~ =~# =~? +regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~? +same instance is +different instance isnot + +Examples: +"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0 +"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1 +"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise + + *E691* *E692* +A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and +"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. +Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values. + + *E735* *E736* +A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not +equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary| +recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values. + + *E693* *E694* +A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not +equal" can be used. Case is never ignored. + +When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are +referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from +the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to +using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a +different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'" +is false. + +When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number, +and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE, +because 'x' converted to a Number is zero. + +When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This +results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not +necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language. + +When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and +'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters. + +When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and +'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored. + +'smartcase' is not used. + +The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand +argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is. +This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no +matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts +portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a +single-quote string, see |literal-string|. +Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern +(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character +can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples: + "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1 + "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0 + + +expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6* +--------------- +expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+* +expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--* +expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.* + +For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The +result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated. + +expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star* +expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/* +expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%* + +For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers. + +Note the difference between "+" and ".": + "123" + "456" = 579 + "123" . "456" = "123456" + +Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: > + 1 . 90 + 90.0 +As: > + (1 . 90) + 90.0 +That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number +190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: > + 1 . 90 * 90.0 +Should be read as: > + 1 . (90 * 90.0) +Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this +attempts to concatenate a Float and a String. + +When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value: + 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float) + >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity) + <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity) + (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff) + +When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0. + +None of these work for |Funcref|s. + +. and % do not work for Float. *E804* + + +expr7 *expr7* +----- +! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!* +- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--* ++ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+* + +For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one. +For '-' the sign of the number is changed. +For '+' the number is unchanged. + +A String will be converted to a Number first. + +These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples: + !-1 == 0 + !!8 == 1 + --9 == 9 + + +expr8 *expr8* +----- +expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111* + +If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the +expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a +Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for +an alternative. + +Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful: +text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the +cursor: > + :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1] + +If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty +String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards +compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte. + +If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index| +for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an +error. Example: > + :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item + +Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the +|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an +error. + + +expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]* + +If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes +from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and +expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see +|byteidx()| for computing the indexes. + +If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the +string minus one is used. + +A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is +the last character, -2 the last but one, etc. + +If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If +expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string. + +Examples: > + :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string + :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string + :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end + :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes +< + *sublist* *slice* +If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by +the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained +just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: > + :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items + :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item + :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List + +Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an +error. + + +expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry* + +If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following +name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like: +expr8[name]. + +The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name, +but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used. + +There must not be white space before or after the dot. + +Examples: > + :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"} + :echo dict.one + :echo dict .2 + +Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion +always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation. + + +expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call + +When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to. + + + + *expr9* +number +------ +number number constant *expr-number* + +Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0). + + *floating-point-format* +Floating point numbers can be written in two forms: + + [-+]{N}.{M} + [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp} + +{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only +contain digits. +[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign. +{exp} is the exponent, power of 10. +Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current +locale is. +{only when compiled with the |+float| feature} + +Examples: + 123.456 + +0.0001 + 55.0 + -0.123 + 1.234e03 + 1.0E-6 + -3.1416e+88 + +These are INVALID: + 3. empty {M} + 1e40 missing .{M} + + *float-pi* *float-e* +A few useful values to copy&paste: > + :let pi = 3.14159265359 + :let e = 2.71828182846 + +Rationale: +Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as +the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated, +resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we +could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards +incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation +for floating point numbers. + + *floating-point-precision* +The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double" +means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at +runtime. + +The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using +printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()| +function. Example: > + :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1)) +< 7.853981633974483e-01 + + + +string *expr-string* *E114* +------ +"string" string constant *expr-quote* + +Note that double quotes are used. + +A string constant accepts these special characters: +\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316") +\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit) +\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit) +\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f") +\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char) +\X.. same as \x.. +\X. same as \x. +\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the + current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4") +\U.... same as \u.... +\b backspace <BS> +\e escape <Esc> +\f formfeed <FF> +\n newline <NL> +\r return <CR> +\t tab <Tab> +\\ backslash +\" double quote +\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use + in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a + utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above. + +Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some +encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value +of 'encoding'. + +Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string. + + +literal-string *literal-string* *E115* +--------------- +'string' string constant *expr-'* + +Note that single quotes are used. + +This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special +meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote. + +Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need +to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: > + if a =~ "\\s*" + if a =~ '\s*' + + +option *expr-option* *E112* *E113* +------ +&option option value, local value if possible +&g:option global option value +&l:option local option value + +Examples: > + echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop + if &insertmode + +Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value +and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used +anyway. + + +register *expr-register* *@r* +-------- +@r contents of register 'r' + +The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string. +Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed +register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available +registers. + +When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it +evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it. + + +nesting *expr-nesting* *E110* +------- +(expr1) nested expression + + +environment variable *expr-env* +-------------------- +$VAR environment variable + +The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the +result is an empty string. + *expr-env-expand* +Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using +expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that +are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using +the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that +fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it +does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: > + :echo $version + :echo expand("$version") +The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version +variable (if your shell supports it). + + +internal variable *expr-variable* +----------------- +variable internal variable +See below |internal-variables|. + + +function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120* +------------- +function(expr1, ...) function call +See below |functions|. + + +============================================================================== +3. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E461* + +An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it +cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see +|curly-braces-names|. + +An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|. +An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command +|:unlet|. +Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has +been destroyed results in an error. + +There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is +specified by what is prepended: + + (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global +|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer. +|window-variable| w: Local to the current window. +|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page. +|global-variable| g: Global. +|local-variable| l: Local to a function. +|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script. +|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function). +|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim. + +The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to +delete all script-local variables: > + :for k in keys(s:) + : unlet s:[k] + :endfor +< + *buffer-variable* *b:var* +A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer. +Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer. +This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with +|:bdelete|. + +One local buffer variable is predefined: + *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick* +b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is + incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change + in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when + the buffer has changed. Example: > + :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick + : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick + : call My_Update() + :endif +< + *window-variable* *w:var* +A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It +is deleted when the window is closed. + + *tabpage-variable* *t:var* +A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page, +It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled +without the |+windows| feature} + + *global-variable* *g:var* +Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will +access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other +place if you like. + + *local-variable* *l:var* +Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything. +But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:" +you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it +refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the +same name. + + *script-variable* *s:var* +In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be +accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script. + +They can be used in: +- commands executed while the script is sourced +- functions defined in the script +- autocommands defined in the script +- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were + defined in the script (recursively) +- user defined commands defined in the script +Thus not in: +- other scripts sourced from this one +- mappings +- menus +- etc. + +Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names. +Take this example: > + + let s:counter = 0 + function MyCounter() + let s:counter = s:counter + 1 + echo s:counter + endfunction + command Tick call MyCounter() + +You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in +that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where +"Tick" was defined is used. + +Another example that does the same: > + + let s:counter = 0 + command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter + +When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for +script variables is set to the script where the function or command was +defined. + +The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a +function that is defined in a script. Example: > + + let s:counter = 0 + function StartCounting(incr) + if a:incr + function MyCounter() + let s:counter = s:counter + 1 + endfunction + else + function MyCounter() + let s:counter = s:counter - 1 + endfunction + endif + endfunction + +This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down +when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is +called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter(). + +When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables. +They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to +maintain a counter: > + + if !exists("s:counter") + let s:counter = 1 + echo "script executed for the first time" + else + let s:counter = s:counter + 1 + echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now" + endif + +Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script +variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|. + + +Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var* + + *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable* +v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is. + This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line. + Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. + + *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable* +v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only + valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. + + *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable* +v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only + valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. + + *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable* +v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as + it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies, + but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a + ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and + word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the + highlighted text is used. + Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. + + *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable* +v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only + valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. + + *v:char* *char-variable* +v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed + character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |:map-<expr>|. + + *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable* +v:charconvert_from + The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted. + Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option. + + *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable* +v:charconvert_to + The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion. + Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option. + + *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable* +v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes: + 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command. + Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is + set before an autocommand event for a file read/write + command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it + possible to append this variable directly after the + read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't + included here, because it will be executed anyway. + 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is + the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used + in 'printexpr'. + + *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable* +v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!" + was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this + can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>| + can be used. + + *v:count* *count-variable* +v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used + to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: > + :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR> +< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you + get when typing ':' after a count. + When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied, + just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example. + Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option. + "count" also works, for backwards compatibility. + + *v:count1* *count1-variable* +v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is + used. + + *v:ctype* *ctype-variable* +v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime + environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the + current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of + LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C". + This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| + command. + See |multi-lang|. + + *v:dying* *dying-variable* +v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to + one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases. + Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't + terminate normally. {only works on Unix} + Example: > + :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif +< Note: if another deadly signal is caught when v:dying is one, + VimLeave autocommands will not be executed. + + *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable* +v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable. + Example: > + :let v:errmsg = "" + :silent! next + :if v:errmsg != "" + : ... handle error +< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility. + + *v:exception* *exception-variable* +v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not + finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|. + Example: > + :try + : throw "oops" + :catch /.*/ + : echo "caught" v:exception + :endtry +< Output: "caught oops". + + *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable* +v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered. + Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what + to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values: + deleted file no longer exists + conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was + changed and buffer is modified + changed file contents has changed + mode mode of file changed + time only file timestamp changed + + *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable* +v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was + triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to + do with the affected buffer: + reload Reload the buffer (does not work if + the file was deleted). + ask Ask the user what to do, as if there + was no autocommand. Except that when + only the timestamp changed nothing + will happen. + <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do + everything that needs to be done. + The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then + Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message. + + *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable* +v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating: + option used for ~ + 'charconvert' file to be converted + 'diffexpr' original file + 'patchexpr' original file + 'printexpr' file to be printed + And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|. + + *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable* +v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while + evaluating: + option used for ~ + 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*) + 'diffexpr' output of diff + 'patchexpr' resulting patched file + (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w + file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion + for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary + file and different from v:fname_in. + + *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable* +v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while + evaluating 'diffexpr'. + + *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable* +v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while + evaluating 'patchexpr'. + + *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable* +v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed + fold. + Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| + + *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable* +v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold. + Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| + + *v:foldend* *foldend-variable* +v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold. + Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| + + *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable* +v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold. + Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| + + *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable* +v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand + events. Values: + i Insert mode + r Replace mode + v Virtual Replace mode + + *v:key* *key-variable* +v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while + evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|. + Read-only. + + *v:lang* *lang-variable* +v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime + environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the + current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES. + The value is system dependent. + This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| + command. + It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired + in a different language than what is used for character + encoding. See |multi-lang|. + + *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable* +v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime + environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the + current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME. + This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| + command. See |multi-lang|. + + *v:lnum* *lnum-variable* +v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr|, 'formatexpr' and + 'indentexpr' expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' + and 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these + expressions is being evaluated. Read-only when in the + |sandbox|. + + *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable* +v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. + First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is + zero when there was no mouse button click. + + *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable* +v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. + This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The + value is zero when there was no mouse button click. + + *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable* +v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. + This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The + value is zero when there was no mouse button click. + + *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable* +v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on + startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for. + The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the + 'viminfo' option (default is 100). + Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|. + The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is + stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other + than String this will cause trouble. + {only when compiled with the |+viminfo| feature} + + *v:operator* *operator-variable* +v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single + character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>, + in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside + |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel + Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: > + :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR> +< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus + don't expect it to be empty. + v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex + commands. + Read-only. + + *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable* +v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command. + This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if + you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then + use the count, e.g.: > + :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR> +< Read-only. + + *v:profiling* *profiling-variable* +v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start". + See |profiling|. + + *v:progname* *progname-variable* +v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was + invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view", + "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim. + Read-only. + + *v:register* *register-variable* +v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode + command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()| + + *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable* +v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the + screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the + first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a + typed command. + This can be used to find out why your script causes the + hit-enter prompt. + + *v:servername* *servername-variable* +v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any. + Read-only. + + +v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable* + Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a + backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting + the last search pattern, see |quote/|. + Note that the value is restored when returning from a + function. |function-search-undo|. + Read-write. + + *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable* +v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last + shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem. + This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim. + The value -1 is often used when the command could not be + executed. Read-only. + Example: > + :!mv foo bar + :if v:shell_error + : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!' + :endif +< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility. + + *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable* +v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable. + + *v:swapname* *swapname-variable* +v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of + the swap file found. Read-only. + + *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable* +v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice + for handling an existing swap file: + 'o' Open read-only + 'e' Edit anyway + 'r' Recover + 'd' Delete swapfile + 'q' Quit + 'a' Abort + The value should be a single-character string. An empty value + results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is + no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty. + + *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable* +v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been + opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have + another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For + example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r". + For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r". + + *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable* +v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV| + termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence + that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only + digits, ';' and '.' in between. + When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is + fired, so that you can react to the response from the + terminal. + The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp + is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the + patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's + always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero. + {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature} + + *v:this_session* *this_session-variable* +v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See + |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no + session file has been saved, this variable is empty. + "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility. + + *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable* +v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not + finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See + also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|. + Example: > + :try + : throw "oops" + :catch /.*/ + : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint + :endtry +< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2" + + *v:val* *val-variable* +v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only + valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and + |filter()|. Read-only. + + *v:version* *version-variable* +v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus + minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01) + is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards + compatibility. + Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: > + if has("patch123") +< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both + version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are + completely different. + + *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable* +v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable. + + *v:windowid* *windowid-variable* +v:windowid When any X11 based GUI is running or when running in a + terminal and Vim connects to the X server (|-X|) this will be + set to the window ID. + When an MS-Windows GUI is running this will be set to the + window handle. + Otherwise the value is zero. + Note: for windows inside Vim use |winnr()|. + +============================================================================== +4. Builtin Functions *functions* + +See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for. + +(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.) + +USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~ + +abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr} +acos( {expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr} +add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list} +append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum} +append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum} +argc() Number number of files in the argument list +argidx() Number current index in the argument list +argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list +argv( ) List the argument list +asin( {expr}) Float arc sine of {expr} +atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr} +atan2( {expr}, {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2} +browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default}) + String put up a file requester +browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester +bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists +buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed +bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded +bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr} +bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr} +bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr} +byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte} +byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr} +call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) + any call {func} with arguments {arglist} +ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up +changenr() Number current change number +char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr} +cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum} +clearmatches() none clear all matches +col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark +complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion +complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match +complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion +confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]]) + Number number of choice picked by user +copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr} +cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr} +cosh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr} +count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) + Number count how many {expr} are in {list} +cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]]) + Number checks existence of cscope connection +cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}]) + Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd} +cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list} +deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr} +delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname} +did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used +diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum} +diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col} +empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty +escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\' +eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value +eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler +executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists +exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists +extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) + List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1} +exp( {expr}) Float exponential of {expr} +expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr} +feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer +filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file +filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file +filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where + {string} is 0 +finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) + String find directory {name} in {path} +findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) + String find file {name} in {path} +float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number +floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down +fmod( {expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2} +fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname} +fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name +foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed +foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed +foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum} +foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold +foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum} +foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground +function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name} +garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references +get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def} +get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def} +getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}]) + List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr} +getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr} +getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user +getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character +getcmdline() String return the current command-line +getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line +getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type +getcwd() String the current working directory +getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname} +getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname} +getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used +getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file +getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname} +getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer +getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer +getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items +getmatches() List list of current matches +getpid() Number process ID of Vim +getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc. +getqflist() List list of quickfix items +getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register +getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register +gettabvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in tab {nr} +gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name}) + any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} +getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window +getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window +getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr} +glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr} +globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) + String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path} +has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported +has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key} +haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd| +hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) + Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists +histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history +histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history +histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history +histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history +hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists +hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name} +hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on +iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr} +indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum} +index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) + Number index in {list} where {expr} appears +input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) + String get input from the user +inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog +inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list +inputrestore() Number restore typeahead +inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead +inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text +insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}] +isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory +islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked +items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict} +join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String +keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict} +len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr} +libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg} +libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number +line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark +line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum} +lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum} +localtime() Number current time +log( {expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} +log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 +map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr} +maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) + String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode} +mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) + String check for mappings matching {name} +match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) + Number position where {pat} matches in {expr} +matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]]) + Number highlight {pattern} with {group} +matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match| +matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id} +matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) + Number position where {pat} ends in {expr} +matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) + List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr} +matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) + String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr} +max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list} +min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list} +mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]]) + Number create directory {name} +mode( [expr]) String current editing mode +mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression +nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum} +nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr} +pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path +pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y} +prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum} +printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text +pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible +range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) + List items from {expr} to {max} +readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]]) + List get list of lines from file {fname} +reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value +reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String +remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}]) + String send expression +remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground +remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}]) + Number check for reply string +remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string +remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}]) + String send key sequence +remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list} +remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict} +rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to} +repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times +resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to +reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place +round( {expr}) Float round off {expr} +search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) + Number search for {pattern} +searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) + Number search for variable declaration +searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]]) + Number search for other end of start/end pair +searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]]) + List search for other end of start/end pair +searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) + List search for {pattern} +server2client( {clientid}, {string}) + Number send reply string +serverlist() String get a list of available servers +setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val} +setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line +setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line} +setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}]) + Number modify location list using {list} +setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches +setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list} +setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list} +setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type +settabvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in tab page {nr} to {val} +settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window + {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val} +setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val} +shellescape( {string} [, {special}]) + String escape {string} for use as shell + command argument +simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible +sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr} +sinh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr} +sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare +soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word} +spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor +spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]]) + List spelling suggestions +split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]]) + List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr} +sqrt( {expr} Float squar root of {expr} +str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float +str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number +strchars( {expr}) Number character length of the String {expr} +strdisplaywidth( {expr} [, {col}]) Number display length of the String {expr} +strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format +stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}]) + Number index of {needle} in {haystack} +string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value +strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr} +strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}]) + String {len} characters of {src} at {start} +strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) + Number last index of {needle} in {haystack} +strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable +strwidth( {expr}) Number display cell length of the String {expr} +submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute" +substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) + String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub} +synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col} +synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) + String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID} +synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID} +synconcealed( {lnum}, {col}) List info about concealing +synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col} +system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr} +tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page +tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page +tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}]) + Number number of current window in tab page +taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr} +tagfiles() List tags files used +tempname() String name for a temporary file +tan( {expr}) Float tangent of {expr} +tanh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr} +tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase +toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase +tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr} + to chars in {tostr} +trunc( {expr} Float truncate Float {expr} +type( {name}) Number type of variable {name} +undofile( {name}) String undo file name for {name} +undotree() List undo file tree +values( {dict}) List values in {dict} +virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark +visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used +winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr} +wincol() Number window column of the cursor +winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr} +winline() Number window line of the cursor +winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window +winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes +winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window +winsaveview() Dict save view of current window +winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr} +writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}]) + Number write list of lines to file {fname} + +abs({expr}) *abs()* + Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to + a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be + converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise + abs() gives an error message and returns -1. + Examples: > + echo abs(1.456) +< 1.456 > + echo abs(-5.456) +< 5.456 > + echo abs(-4) +< 4 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +acos({expr}) *acos()* + Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a + |Float| in the range of [0, pi]. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range + [-1, 1]. + Examples: > + :echo acos(0) +< 1.570796 > + :echo acos(-0.5) +< 2.094395 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +add({list}, {expr}) *add()* + Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the + resulting |List|. Examples: > + :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item) + :call add(mylist, "woodstock") +< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single + item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|. + Use |insert()| to add an item at another position. + + +append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()* + When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a + text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer. + Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in + the current buffer. + {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one. + Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory), + 0 for success. Example: > + :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END") + :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"]) +< + *argc()* +argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the + current window. See |arglist|. + + *argidx()* +argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is + the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|. + + *argv()* +argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the + current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one. + Example: > + :let i = 0 + :while i < argc() + : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.') + : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>' + : let i = i + 1 + :endwhile +< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is + returned. + +asin({expr}) *asin()* + Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float| + in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2]. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range + [-1, 1]. + Examples: > + :echo asin(0.8) +< 0.927295 > + :echo asin(-0.5) +< -0.523599 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +atan({expr}) *atan()* + Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in + the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo atan(100) +< 1.560797 > + :echo atan(-4.01) +< -1.326405 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()* + Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in + radians, as a |Float| in the range [-pi, pi]. + {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo atan2(-1, 1) +< -0.785398 > + :echo atan2(1, -1) +< 2.356194 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + + *browse()* +browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default}) + Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")" + returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions). + The input fields are: + {save} when non-zero, select file to write + {title} title for the requester + {initdir} directory to start browsing in + {default} default file name + When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or + browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned. + + *browsedir()* +browsedir({title}, {initdir}) + Put up a directory requester. This only works when + "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions). + On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file + browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory + to be used. + The input fields are: + {title} title for the requester + {initdir} directory to start browsing in + When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or + browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned. + +bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()* + The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called + {expr} exists. + If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used. + If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name + exactly. The name can be: + - Relative to the current directory. + - A full path. + - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile". + - A URL name. + Unlisted buffers will be found. + Note that help files are listed by their short name in the + output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their + long name to be able to find them. + bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name + with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp + for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1" + Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate + file name. + *buffer_exists()* + Obsolete name: buffer_exists(). + +buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()* + The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called + {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set). + The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|. + +bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()* + The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called + {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden). + The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|. + +bufname({expr}) *bufname()* + The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the + ":ls" command. + If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given. + Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window. + If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match + with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is + set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one + match an empty string is returned. + "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the + alternate buffer. + A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end + or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a + full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the + pattern. + Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match + with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted + buffers are searched for. + If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer + number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: > + :echo bufname("3" + 0) +< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty + string is returned. > + bufname("#") alternate buffer name + bufname(3) name of buffer 3 + bufname("%") name of current buffer + bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches. +< *buffer_name()* + Obsolete name: buffer_name(). + + *bufnr()* +bufnr({expr} [, {create}]) + The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by + the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| + above. + If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the + {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted, + buffer is created and its number is returned. + bufnr("$") is the last buffer: > + :let last_buffer = bufnr("$") +< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number + of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller + number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed + them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer. + *buffer_number()* + Obsolete name: buffer_number(). + *last_buffer_nr()* + Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr(). + +bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()* + The result is a Number, which is the number of the first + window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr}, + see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or + there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: > + + echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1)) + +< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w" + |:wincmd|. + Only deals with the current tab page. + + +byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()* + Return the line number that contains the character at byte + count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the + end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option + for the current buffer. The first character has byte count + one. + Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|. + {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset| + feature} + +byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()* + Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string + {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero. + This function is only useful when there are multibyte + characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}. + Composing characters are counted as a separate character. + Example : > + echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3)) +< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the + same: > + let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3)) + echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1)) +< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned. + If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string + is returned. + +call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699* + Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as + arguments. + {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function. + a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line. + Returns the return value of the called function. + {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be + used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function| + +ceil({expr}) *ceil()* + Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to + {expr} as a |Float| (round up). + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + echo ceil(1.456) +< 2.0 > + echo ceil(-5.456) +< -5.0 > + echo ceil(4.0) +< 4.0 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + +changenr() *changenr()* + Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same + number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used + with the |:undo| command. + When a change was made it is the number of that change. After + redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is + one less than the number of the undone change. + +char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()* + Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: > + char2nr(" ") returns 32 + char2nr("ABC") returns 65 +< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": > + char2nr("á") returns 225 + char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195 +< |nr2char()| does the opposite. + +cindent({lnum}) *cindent()* + Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C + indenting rules, as with 'cindent'. + The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is + relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|. + When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent| + feature, -1 is returned. + See |C-indenting|. + +clearmatches() *clearmatches()* + Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the + |:match| commands. + + *col()* +col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column + position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are: + . the cursor position + $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the + number of characters in the cursor line plus one) + 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is + returned) + Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line + and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get + the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is + out of range then col() returns zero. + To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use + |getpos()|. + For the screen column position use |virtcol()|. + Note that only marks in the current file can be used. + Examples: > + col(".") column of cursor + col("$") length of cursor line plus one + col("'t") column of mark t + col("'" . markname) column of mark markname +< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error. + For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another + buffer. + For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the + column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the + line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: > + :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR> + \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR> + \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar> + \let &ve = save_ve<CR> +< + +complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785* + Set the matches for Insert mode completion. + Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping + with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or + with an expression mapping. + {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed + text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text + that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an + empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a + match. + {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match. + See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible. + Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid + inserting anything that would cause completion to stop. + The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with + Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if + specified, see |ins-completion-menu|. + Example: > + inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR> + + func! ListMonths() + call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March', + \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September', + \ 'October', 'November', 'December']) + return '' + endfunc +< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that + an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted. + +complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()* + Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the + function specified with the 'completefunc' option. + Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory), + 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in + the list. + See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is + the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return. + +complete_check() *complete_check()* + Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches. + This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time. + Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted, + zero otherwise. + Only to be used by the function specified with the + 'completefunc' option. + + *confirm()* +confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]]) + Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be + made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first + choice this is 1. + Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog + support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|. + + {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the + alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is + used (and translated). + {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on + some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit. + + {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated + by '\n', e.g. > + confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel") +< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice. + Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does + not need to be the first letter: > + confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All") +< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as + the default shortcut key. + + The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice + that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first + choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If + {default} is omitted, 1 is used. + + The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This + is only used for the icon of the GTK, Mac, Motif and Win32 + GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question", + "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is + relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used. + + If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C, + or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0. + + An example: > + :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2) + :if choice == 0 + : echo "make up your mind!" + :elseif choice == 3 + : echo "tasteful" + :else + : echo "I prefer bananas myself." + :endif +< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons + depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included, + the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm() + tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they + don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems + the horizontal layout is always used. + + *copy()* +copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't + different from using {expr} directly. + When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means + that the original |List| can be changed without changing the + copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus + changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also + see |deepcopy()|. + +cos({expr}) *cos()* + Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo cos(100) +< 0.862319 > + :echo cos(-4.01) +< -0.646043 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +cosh({expr}) *cosh()* + Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range + [1, inf]. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo cosh(0.5) +< 1.127626 > + :echo cosh(-0.5) +< -1.127626 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()* + Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears + in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}. + If {start} is given then start with the item with this index. + {start} can only be used with a |List|. + When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored. + + + *cscope_connection()* +cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]]) + Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no + parameters are specified, then the function returns: + 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or + if there are no cscope connections; + 1, if there is at least one cscope connection. + + If parameters are specified, then the value of {num} + determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked: + + {num} Description of existence check + ----- ------------------------------ + 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()"). + 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for + {dbpath}. + 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for + {dbpath}. + 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both + {dbpath} and {prepend}. + 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both + {dbpath} and {prepend}. + + Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive! + + Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): > + + # pid database name prepend path + 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local +< + Invocation Return Val ~ + ---------- ---------- > + cscope_connection() 1 + cscope_connection(1, "out") 1 + cscope_connection(2, "out") 0 + cscope_connection(3, "out") 0 + cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1 + cscope_connection(4, "out") 0 + cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0 + cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1 +< +cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()* +cursor({list}) + Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the + line {lnum}. The first column is one. + When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List| + with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like + the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item. + Does not change the jumplist. + If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer, + the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer. + If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line. + If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line, + the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the + line. + If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column. + When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in + screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a + position within a <Tab> or after the last character. + Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise. + + +deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698* + Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't + different from using {expr} directly. + When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means + that the original |List| can be changed without changing the + copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it + is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does + not change the contents of the original |List|. + When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or + |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to + this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a + |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means + that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail. + *E724* + Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item + that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with + {noref} set to 1 will fail. + Also see |copy()|. + +delete({fname}) *delete()* + Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number, + which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero + when the deletion failed. + Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|. + + *did_filetype()* +did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the + FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used + to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts + that detect the file type. |FileType| + When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this + really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the + current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts + editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax + file. + +diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()* + Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}. + These are the lines that were inserted at this point in + another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the + display but don't exist in the buffer. + {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current + line, "'m" mark m, etc. + Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode. + +diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()* + Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column + {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a + diff change zero is returned. + {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current + line, "'m" mark m, etc. + {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first + line. + The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain + syntax information about the highlighting. + +empty({expr}) *empty()* + Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise. + A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any + items. A Number is empty when its value is zero. + For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the + length with zero. + +escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()* + Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a + backslash. Example: > + :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \') +< results in: > + c:\\program\ files\\vim +< Also see |shellescape()|. + + *eval()* +eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to + turn the result of |string()| back into the original value. + This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of + them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing + functions. + +eventhandler() *eventhandler()* + Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got + interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character, + e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive + commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned. + +executable({expr}) *executable()* + This function checks if an executable with the name {expr} + exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any + arguments. + executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal + searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT* + On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can + optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are + tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be + found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is + used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using + the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a + Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an + extension. + On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and + is not a directory, not if it's really executable. + On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is + always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it + should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|. + The result is a Number: + 1 exists + 0 does not exist + -1 not implemented on this system + + *exists()* +exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is + defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string, + which contains one of these: + &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists, + not if it really works) + +option-name Vim option that works. + $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be + done by comparing with an empty + string) + *funcname built-in function (see |functions|) + or user defined function (see + |user-functions|). + varname internal variable (see + |internal-variables|). Also works + for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary| + entries, |List| items, etc. Beware + that evaluating an index may cause an + error message for an invalid + expression. E.g.: > + :let l = [1, 2, 3] + :echo exists("l[5]") +< 0 > + :echo exists("l[xx]") +< E121: Undefined variable: xx + 0 + :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user + command or command modifier |:command|. + Returns: + 1 for match with start of a command + 2 full match with a command + 3 matches several user commands + To check for a supported command + always check the return value to be 2. + :2match The |:2match| command. + :3match The |:3match| command. + #event autocommand defined for this event + #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and + pattern (the pattern is taken + literally and compared to the + autocommand patterns character by + character) + #group autocommand group exists + #group#event autocommand defined for this group and + event. + #group#event#pattern + autocommand defined for this group, + event and pattern. + ##event autocommand for this event is + supported. + For checking for a supported feature use |has()|. + + Examples: > + exists("&shortname") + exists("$HOSTNAME") + exists("*strftime") + exists("*s:MyFunc") + exists("bufcount") + exists(":Make") + exists("#CursorHold") + exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz") + exists("#filetypeindent") + exists("#filetypeindent#FileType") + exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*") + exists("##ColorScheme") +< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the + name. + There must be no extra characters after the name, although in + a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in + the future, thus don't count on it! + Working example: > + exists(":make") +< NOT working example: > + exists(":make install") + +< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the + variable itself. For example: > + exists(bufcount) +< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable, + but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists. + +exp({expr}) *exp()* + Return the exponential of {expr} as a |Float| in the range + [0, inf]. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo exp(2) +< 7.389056 > + :echo exp(-1) +< 0.367879 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()* + Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}. + The result is a String. 'wildignorecase' applies. + + When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL> + characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which + caused problems when a file name contains a space] + + If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name + for a non-existing file is not included. + + When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done + like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated + modifiers. Here is a short overview: + + % current file name + # alternate file name + #n alternate file name n + <cfile> file name under the cursor + <afile> autocmd file name + <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!) + <amatch> autocmd matched name + <sfile> sourced script file name + <slnum> sourced script file line number + <cword> word under the cursor + <cWORD> WORD under the cursor + <client> the {clientid} of the last received + message |server2client()| + Modifiers: + :p expand to full path + :h head (last path component removed) + :t tail (last path component only) + :r root (one extension removed) + :e extension only + + Example: > + :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags" +< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or + '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: > + :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak") +< Use this: > + :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak" +< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the + referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>" + is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the + "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: > + :echo expand(expand("<cfile>")) +< + There cannot be white space between the variables and the + following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used + to modify normal file names. + + When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name + is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a + buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a + '/' added. + + When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is + expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line. + 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional + {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for + non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to + search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README" + files in the current directory and below: > + :echo expand("**/README") +< + Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment + variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be + slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|. + The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file + names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is + left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in + "$FOOBAR". + + See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for + getting the raw output of an external command. + +extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()* + {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both + |Dictionaries|. + + If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}. + If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item + {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the + first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then + {expr2} is appended. + Examples: > + :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5])) + :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1) +< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of + items copied is equal to the original length of the List. + E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item + (where N is the original length of the List). + Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate + two lists into a new list use the + operator: > + :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5] +< + If they are |Dictionaries|: + Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}. + If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is + used to decide what to do: + {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1} + {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2} + {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737* + When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed. + + {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary + make a copy of {expr1} first. + {expr2} remains unchanged. + Returns {expr1}. + + +feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()* + Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they + come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added + to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still + being executed these characters come after them. + The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in + {string}. + To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes + and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example, + feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But + feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters. + If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped. + {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags: + 'm' Remap keys. This is default. + 'n' Do not remap keys. + 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as + if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo, + opening folds, etc. + Return value is always 0. + +filereadable({file}) *filereadable()* + The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the + name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist, + or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any + expression, which is used as a String. + If you don't care about the file being readable you can use + |glob()|. + *file_readable()* + Obsolete name: file_readable(). + + +filewritable({file}) *filewritable()* + The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the + name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't + exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a + directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2. + + +filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()* + {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|. + For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result + is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|. + Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item. + For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item. + Examples: > + :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"') +< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. > + :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8') +< Removes the items with a key below 8. > + :call filter(var, 0) +< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|. + + Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then + used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a + |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. + + The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or + |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: > + :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"') + +< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered. + When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no + further items in {expr} are processed. + + +finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()* + Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and + upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching| + for the syntax of {path}. + Returns the path of the first found match. When the found + directory is below the current directory a relative path is + returned. Otherwise a full path is returned. + If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used. + If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of + {name} in {path} instead of the first one. + When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|. + This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|. + {only available when compiled with the |+file_in_path| + feature} + +findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()* + Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory. + Uses 'suffixesadd'. + Example: > + :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;") +< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until + it finds the file "tags.vim". + +float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()* + Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the + decimal point. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number. + When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the + result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results + in -0x80000000. + Examples: > + echo float2nr(3.95) +< 3 > + echo float2nr(-23.45) +< -23 > + echo float2nr(1.0e100) +< 2147483647 > + echo float2nr(-1.0e150) +< -2147483647 > + echo float2nr(1.0e-100) +< 0 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +floor({expr}) *floor()* + Return the largest integral value less than or equal to + {expr} as a |Float| (round down). + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + echo floor(1.856) +< 1.0 > + echo floor(-5.456) +< -6.0 > + echo floor(4.0) +< 4.0 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()* + Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the + division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2} + for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the + result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than + the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value + returned is zero. The value returned is a |Float|. + {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22) +< 0.13 > + :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22) +< -0.13 + {only available when compiled with |+float| feature} + + +fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()* + Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All + characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|' + are escaped with a backslash. + For most systems the characters escaped are + " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash + appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'. + A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit| + and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|). + Example: > + :let fname = '+some str%nge|name' + :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname) +< results in executing: > + edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name + +fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()* + Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a + string of characters like it is used for file names on the + command line. See |filename-modifiers|. + Example: > + :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h") +< results in: > + /home/mool/vim/vim/src +< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use + |expand()| first then. + +foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()* + The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed + fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold. + If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned. + +foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()* + The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed + fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold. + If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned. + +foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()* + The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum} + in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is + returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is + returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed. + When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is + returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the + foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the + previous line is usually available. + + *foldtext()* +foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is + the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should + only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the + |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables. + The returned string looks like this: > + +-- 45 lines: abcdef +< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is + the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the + first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//" + or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring' + options is removed. + {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature} + +foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()* + Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line + {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context. + When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is + returned. + {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current + line, "'m" mark m, etc. + Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML. + {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature} + + *foreground()* +foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from + a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()| + On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always + allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use + |remote_foreground()| instead. + {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the + Win32 console version} + + +function({name}) *function()* *E700* + Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}. + {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function. + + +garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()* + Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular + references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this + function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of + memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after + 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always + freed when they become unused. + This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or + |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs + for a long time. + When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage + collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't + done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks. + +get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()* + Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not + available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is + omitted. +get({dict}, {key} [, {default}]) + Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this + item is not available return {default}. Return zero when + {default} is omitted. + + *getbufline()* +getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}]) + Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end} + (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a + |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned. + + For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. + + For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the + buffer. Otherwise a number must be used. + + When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of + lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned. + + When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer, + it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the + buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is + returned. + + This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and + non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned. + + Example: > + :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$") + +getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()* + The result is the value of option or local buffer variable + {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:" + must be used. + When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the + buffer-local variables. + This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it + doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or + window-local option. + For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. + When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is + returned, there is no error message. + Examples: > + :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod") + :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar") +< +getchar([expr]) *getchar()* + Get a single character from the user or input stream. + If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available. + If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available. + Return zero otherwise. + If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is + not consumed. Return zero if no character available. + + Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or + special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the + result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String. + Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character. + For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 + (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string + "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a + String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is + not included in the character. + + When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a + one-byte character it is the character itself as a number. + Use nr2char() to convert it to a String. + + When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be + returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|, + |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the + mouse as it would normally happen: > + let c = getchar() + if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0 + exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w" + exe v:mouse_lnum + exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|" + endif +< + There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the + user that a character has to be typed. + There is no mapping for the character. + Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del> + key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character + sequence. Examples: > + getchar() == "\<Del>" + getchar() == "\<S-Left>" +< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: > + :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR> + :function FindChar() + : let c = nr2char(getchar()) + : while col('.') < col('$') - 1 + : normal l + : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c + : break + : endif + : endwhile + :endfunction + +getcharmod() *getcharmod()* + The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for + the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way. + These values are added together: + 2 shift + 4 control + 8 alt (meta) + 16 mouse double click + 32 mouse triple click + 64 mouse quadruple click + 128 Macintosh only: command + Only the modifiers that have not been included in the + character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A" + without a modifier. + +getcmdline() *getcmdline()* + Return the current command-line. Only works when the command + line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or + |c_CTRL-R_=|. + Example: > + :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR> +< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|. + +getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()* + Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a + byte count. The first column is 1. + Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of + |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise. + Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|. + +getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()* + Return the current command-line type. Possible return values + are: + : normal Ex command + > debug mode command |debug-mode| + / forward search command + ? backward search command + @ |input()| command + - |:insert| or |:append| command + Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of + |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string + otherwise. + Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|. + + *getcwd()* +getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current + working directory. + +getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()* + The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the + given file {fname}. + If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned. + If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned. + If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2 + is returned. + +getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()* + Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being + used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group + |hl-Normal|. + With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid + font name. If not then an empty string is returned. + Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the + GUI does not support obtaining the real name. + Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or + gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this + function just after the GUI has started. + Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking + for a valid name does not work. + +getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()* + The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute + permissions of the given file {fname}. + If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an + empty string is returned. + The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of + "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner + of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users. + If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this + is replaced with the string "-". Example: > + :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd") +< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display + the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------". + +getftime({fname}) *getftime()* + The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of + the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds + since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also + |localtime()| and |strftime()|. + If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned. + +getftype({fname}) *getftype()* + The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of + file of the given file {fname}. + If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned. + Here is a table over different kinds of files and their + results: + Normal file "file" + Directory "dir" + Symbolic link "link" + Block device "bdev" + Character device "cdev" + Socket "socket" + FIFO "fifo" + All other "other" + Example: > + getftype("/home") +< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on + systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and + "file" are returned. + + *getline()* +getline({lnum} [, {end}]) + Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum} + from the current buffer. Example: > + getline(1) +< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a + digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number. + To get the line under the cursor: > + getline(".") +< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of + lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned. + + When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is + a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end}, + including line {end}. + {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}. + Non-existing lines are silently omitted. + When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned. + Example: > + :let start = line('.') + :let end = search("^$") - 1 + :let lines = getline(start, end) + +< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()| + +getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()* + Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for + window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used. + For a location list window, the displayed location list is + returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is + returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|. + +getmatches() *getmatches()* + Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by + |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is + useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()| + can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. + Example: > + :echo getmatches() +< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO', + 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2', + 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] > + :let m = getmatches() + :call clearmatches() + :echo getmatches() +< [] > + :call setmatches(m) + :echo getmatches() +< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO', + 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2', + 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] > + :unlet m +< + +getqflist() *getqflist()* + Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each + list item is a dictionary with these entries: + bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use + bufname() to get the name + lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1) + col column number (first column is 1) + vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column + zero: "col" is byte index + nr error number + pattern search pattern used to locate the error + text description of the error + type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc. + valid non-zero: recognized error message + + When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is + returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer + number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero. + + Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and + do something with them: > + :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c + :for d in getqflist() + : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text + :endfor + + +getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()* + The result is a String, which is the contents of register + {regname}. Example: > + :let cliptext = getreg('*') +< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression + register. (For use in maps.) + getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can + be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra + argument is ignored, thus you can always give it. + If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used. + + +getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()* + The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}. + The value will be one of: + "v" for |characterwise| text + "V" for |linewise| text + "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text + 0 for an empty or unknown register + <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16. + If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used. + +gettabvar({tabnr}, {varname}) *gettabvar()* + Get the value of a tab-local variable {varname} in tab page + {tabnr}. |t:var| + Tabs are numbered starting with one. + Note that the name without "t:" must be used. + +gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()* + Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window + {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}. + When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local + option. + Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage + use |getwinvar()|. + When {winnr} is zero the current window is used. + This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and + window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable + or buffer-local variable. + When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local + variables is returned. + Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:". + Examples: > + :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list') + :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar') +< + *getwinposx()* +getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of + the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be + -1 if the information is not available. + + *getwinposy()* +getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of + the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the + information is not available. + +getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()* + Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage. + Examples: > + :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list') + :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar') +< +glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()* + Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the + use of special characters. + The result is a String. + When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL> + characters. + Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero, + the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching + one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and + 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches. + 'wildignorecase' always applies. + If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. + A name for a non-existing file is not included. + + For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from + any external command. Example: > + :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`") + :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g") +< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one + item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed. + + See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See + |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command. + +globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()* + Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate + the results. Example: > + :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim") +< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each + directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with + |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed. + To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a + backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a + trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it. + If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no + error message. + Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero, + the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching + one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and + 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches. + + The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree. + For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories + in 'runtimepath' and below: > + :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt") +< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not + supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly. + + *has()* +has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is + supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a + string. See |feature-list| below. + Also see |exists()|. + + +has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()* + The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has + an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise. + +haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()* + The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current + window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise. + +hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()* + The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that + contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to) + and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by + {mode}. + When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations + instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or + Command-line mode. + Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current + buffer are checked for a match. + If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned. + The following characters are recognized in {mode}: + n Normal mode + v Visual mode + o Operator-pending mode + i Insert mode + l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.) + c Command-line mode + When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used. + + This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists + to a function in a Vim script. Example: > + :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit') + : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit + :endif +< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't + already a mapping to "\ABCdoit". + +histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()* + Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be + one of: *hist-names* + "cmd" or ":" command line history + "search" or "/" search pattern history + "expr" or "=" typed expression history + "input" or "@" input line history + If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be + shifted to become the newest entry. + The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful, + otherwise 0 is returned. + + Example: > + :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d")) + :let date=input("Enter date: ") +< This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + +histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()* + Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names| + for the possible values of {history}. + + If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a + regular expression. All entries matching that expression will + be removed from the history (if there are any). + Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|. + If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as + an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will + be removed if it exists. + + The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation, + otherwise 0 is returned. + + Examples: + Clear expression register history: > + :call histdel("expr") +< + Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: > + :call histdel("/", '^\*') +< + The following three are equivalent: > + :call histdel("search", histnr("search")) + :call histdel("search", -1) + :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$') +< + To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for + the "n" command and 'hlsearch': > + :call histdel("search", -1) + :let @/ = histget("search", -1) + +histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()* + The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from + {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of + {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is + no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is + omitted, the most recent item from the history is used. + + Examples: + Redo the second last search from history. > + :execute '/' . histget("search", -2) + +< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of + the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. > + :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>) +< +histnr({history}) *histnr()* + The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}. + See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}. + If an error occurred, -1 is returned. + + Example: > + :let inp_index = histnr("expr") +< +hlexists({name}) *hlexists()* + The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group + called {name} exists. This is when the group has been + defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has + been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax + item. + *highlight_exists()* + Obsolete name: highlight_exists(). + + *hlID()* +hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group + with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist, + zero is returned. + This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight + group. For example, to get the background color of the + "Comment" group: > + :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg") +< *highlightID()* + Obsolete name: highlightID(). + +hostname() *hostname()* + The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on + which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than + 256 characters long are truncated. + +iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()* + The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted + from encoding {from} to encoding {to}. + When the conversion completely fails an empty string is + returned. When some characters could not be converted they + are replaced with "?". + The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function + can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv". + Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv| + feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back + can be done. + This can be used to display messages with special characters, + no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in + UTF-8 and use: > + echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc) +< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion + from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You + cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes. + {only available when compiled with the |+multi_byte| feature} + + *indent()* +indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the + current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value + of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in + |getline()|. + When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned. + + +index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()* + Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a + value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so + the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number + 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase' + is not used here, case always matters. + If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index + {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end). + When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise + case must match. + -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}. + Example: > + :let idx = index(words, "the") + :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0 + + +input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()* + The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on + the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt + string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used + in the prompt to start a new line. + The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt. + The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same + editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history + for lines typed for input(). + Example: > + :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer" + : echo "Cheers!" + :endif +< + If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this + is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this. + Example: > + :let color = input("Color? ", "white") + +< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of + completion supported for the input. Without it completion is + not performed. The supported completion types are the same as + that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the + "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for + more information. Example: > + let fname = input("File: ", "", "file") +< + NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for + the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI). + Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will + consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a + mapping is handled like the characters were typed. + Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()| + after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid + that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using + |:execute| or |:normal|. + + Example with a mapping: > + :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR> + :function GetFoo() + : call inputsave() + : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ") + : call inputrestore() + :endfunction + +inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()* + Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs + are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text. + Example: > + :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw) + :if n != "" + : let &sw = n + :endif +< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When + omitted an empty string is returned. + Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting + <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button. + NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported. + +inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()* + {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is + displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to + enter a number, which is returned. + The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the + mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking + above the first item a negative number is returned. When + clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist} + is returned. + Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise + it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at + the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item. + Example: > + let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red', + \ '2. green', '3. blue']) + +inputrestore() *inputrestore()* + Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|. + Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is + called. Calling it more often is harmless though. + Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise. + +inputsave() *inputsave()* + Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that + a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be + followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can + be used several times, in which case there must be just as + many inputrestore() calls. + Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise. + +inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()* + This function acts much like the |input()| function with but + two exceptions: + a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of + asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and + b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input + |history| stack. + The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually + typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt. + NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported. + +insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()* + Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}. + If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index + {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just + like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see + |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item. + Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: > + :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1) + :call insert(mylist, 4, -1) + :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist)) +< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|. + Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single + item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|. + +isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()* + The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory + with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't + exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory} + is any expression, which is used as a String. + +islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786* + The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the + name of a locked variable. + {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or + |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: > + :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3] + :lockvar 1 alist + :echo islocked('alist') " 1 + :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0 + +< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error + message. Use |exists()| to check for existence. + +items({dict}) *items()* + Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each + |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} + entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary + order. + + +join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()* + Join the items in {list} together into one String. + When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If + {sep} is omitted a single space is used. + Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to + add it there too: > + let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n" +< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are + converted into a string like with |string()|. + The opposite function is |split()|. + +keys({dict}) *keys()* + Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in + arbitrary order. + + *len()* *E701* +len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument. + When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is + used, as with |strlen()|. + When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is + returned. + When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the + |Dictionary| is returned. + Otherwise an error is given. + + *libcall()* *E364* *E368* +libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument}) + Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname} + with single argument {argument}. + This is useful to call functions in a library that you + especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument + is possible, calling standard library functions is rather + limited. + The result is the String returned by the function. If the + function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string "" + to Vim. + If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()! + If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an + int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a + null-terminated string. + This function will fail in |restricted-mode|. + + libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to + Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a + means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will + very probably crash. + + For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL + and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is + used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly + one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer, + and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character + pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid + after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the + DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will + leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work, + it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded. + + WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may + crash! This also happens if the function returns a number, + because Vim thinks it's a pointer. + For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL + without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if + the DLL is not in the usual places. + For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the + object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC'). + {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall| + feature is present} + Examples: > + :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME") +< + *libcallnr()* +libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument}) + Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an + int instead of a string. + {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall| + feature is present} + Examples: > + :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "") + :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n") + :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10) +< + *line()* +line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file + position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are: + . the cursor position + $ the last line in the current buffer + 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is + returned) + w0 first line visible in current window + w$ last line visible in current window + v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the + cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode + returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in + that it's updated right away. + Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number + then applies to another buffer. + To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use + |getpos()|. + Examples: > + line(".") line number of the cursor + line("'t") line number of mark t + line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker +< *last-position-jump* + This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file + just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: > + :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif + +line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()* + Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line + {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on + the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first + line returns 1. + This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just + below the last line: > + line2byte(line("$") + 1) +< This is the file size plus one. + When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been + disabled at compile time, -1 is returned. + Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|. + +lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()* + Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp + indenting rules, as with 'lisp'. + The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is + relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|. + When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the + |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned. + +localtime() *localtime()* + Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan + 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|. + + +log({expr}) *log()* + Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a |Float|. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range + (0, inf]. + Examples: > + :echo log(10) +< 2.302585 > + :echo log(exp(5)) +< 5.0 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +log10({expr}) *log10()* + Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo log10(1000) +< 3.0 > + :echo log10(0.01) +< -2.0 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + +map({expr}, {string}) *map()* + {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|. + Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating + {string}. + Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item. + For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item + and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item. + Example: > + :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"') +< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist". + + Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then + used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a + |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You + still have to double ' quotes + + The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or + |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: > + :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"') + +< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered. + When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no + further items in {expr} are processed. + + +maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) *maparg()* + When {dict} is omitted or zero: Return the rhs of mapping + {name} in mode {mode}. The returned String has special + characters translated like in the output of the ":map" command + listing. + + When there is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is + returned. + + The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map" + command. + + {mode} can be one of these strings: + "n" Normal + "v" Visual (including Select) + "o" Operator-pending + "i" Insert + "c" Cmd-line + "s" Select + "x" Visual + "l" langmap |language-mapping| + "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending + When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used. + + When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations + instead of mappings. + + When {dict} is there and it is non-zero return a dictionary + containing all the information of the mapping with the + following items: + "lhs" The {lhs} of the mapping. + "rhs" The {rhs} of the mapping as typed. + "silent" 1 for a |:map-silent| mapping, else 0. + "noremap" 1 if the {rhs} of the mapping is not remappable. + "expr" 1 for an expression mapping (|:map-<expr>|). + "buffer" 1 for a buffer local mapping (|:map-local|). + "mode" Modes for which the mapping is defined. In + addition to the modes mentioned above, these + characters will be used: + " " Normal, Visual and Operator-pending + "!" Insert and Commandline mode + (|mapmode-ic|) + "sid" The script local ID, used for <sid> mappings + (|<SID>|). + + The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first, + then the global mappings. + This function can be used to map a key even when it's already + mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: > + exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n') + + +mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()* + Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode + {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in + {name}. + When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations + instead of mappings. + A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and + with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}. + + matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~ + mapcheck("a") yes yes yes + mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes + mapcheck("ax") yes no no + mapcheck("b") no no no + + The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a + mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a + mapping for {name} exactly. + When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty + String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping + is returned. If there are several mappings that start with + {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned. + The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first, + then the global mappings. + This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added + without being ambiguous. Example: > + :if mapcheck("_vv") == "" + : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR> + :endif +< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a + mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv". + +match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()* + When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the + first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a + String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed. + Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a + Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where + {pat} matches. + A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero. + If there is no match -1 is returned. + Example: > + :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4 + :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1 +< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used. + *strpbrk()* + Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: > + :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]') +< *strcasestr()* + Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add + "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: > + :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle') +< + If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index + {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|. + The result, however, is still the index counted from the + first character/item. Example: > + :echo match("testing", "ing", 2) +< result is again "4". > + :echo match("testing", "ing", 4) +< result is again "4". > + :echo match("testing", "t", 2) +< result is "3". + For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts + {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except + when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the + {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it + backwards compatible). + For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list + the index is counted from the end. + If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a + String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned. + + When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match + is found in a String the search for the next one starts one + character further. Thus this example results in 1: > + echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2) +< In a |List| the search continues in the next item. + Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes, + see above. + + See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted. + The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of + the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always + done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty. + + *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801* +matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]]) + Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a + "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an + identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the + match using |matchdelete()|. + + The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the + match. A match with a high priority will have its + highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority. + A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no + exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the + default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero, + hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will + overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate + mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will + always overrule syntax highlighting. + + The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific + match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error + message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID + is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2 + and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|, + respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified, + |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID. + + The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with + the |:match| commands. + + Example: > + :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green + :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO") +< Deletion of the pattern: > + :call matchdelete(m) + +< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are + available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in + one operation by |clearmatches()|. + +matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()* + Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|, + |:2match| or |:3match| command. + Return a |List| with two elements: + The name of the highlight group used + The pattern used. + When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|. + When there is no match item set returns ['', '']. + This is useful to save and restore a |:match|. + Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited + to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation. + +matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803* + Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()| + or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful, + otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can + be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|. + +matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()* + Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character + after the match. Example: > + :echo matchend("testing", "ing") +< results in "7". + *strspn()* *strcspn()* + Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can + do it with matchend(): > + :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]') + :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]') +< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches. + + The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. > + :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2) +< results in "7". > + :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5) +< result is "-1". + When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|. + +matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()* + Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the + list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would + return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc. + in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an + empty string is used. Example: > + echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)') +< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', ''] + When there is no match an empty list is returned. + +matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()* + Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: > + :echo matchstr("testing", "ing") +< results in "ing". + When there is no match "" is returned. + The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. > + :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2) +< results in "ing". > + :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5) +< result is "". + When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned. + The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String. + + *max()* +max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}. + If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot + be used as a Number this results in an error. + An empty |List| results in zero. + + *min()* +min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}. + If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot + be used as a Number this results in an error. + An empty |List| results in zero. + + *mkdir()* *E739* +mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]]) + Create directory {name}. + If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as + necessary. Otherwise it must be "". + If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of + the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for + the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable + for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}. + Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created + with 0755. + Example: > + :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700) +< This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + Not available on all systems. To check use: > + :if exists("*mkdir") +< + *mode()* +mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode. + If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or + a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is + returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note + that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings. + + n Normal + no Operator-pending + v Visual by character + V Visual by line + CTRL-V Visual blockwise + s Select by character + S Select by line + CTRL-S Select blockwise + i Insert + R Replace |R| + Rv Virtual Replace |gR| + c Command-line + cv Vim Ex mode |gQ| + ce Normal Ex mode |Q| + r Hit-enter prompt + rm The -- more -- prompt + r? A |:confirm| query of some sort + ! Shell or external command is executing + This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used + with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns + "c" or "n". + Also see |visualmode()|. + +mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()* + Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result + convert to Vim data structures. + Numbers and strings are returned as they are. + Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are + returned as Vim |Lists|. + Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys + converted to strings. + All other types are converted to string with display function. + Examples: > + :mz (define l (list 1 2 3)) + :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l) + :echo mzeval("l") + :echo mzeval("h") +< + {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature} + +nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()* + Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum} + that is not blank. Example: > + if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java" +< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or + below it, zero is returned. + See also |prevnonblank()|. + +nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()* + Return a string with a single character, which has the number + value {expr}. Examples: > + nr2char(64) returns "@" + nr2char(32) returns " " +< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": > + nr2char(300) returns I with bow character +< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with + nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline + characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the + string, thus results in an empty string. + + *getpid()* +getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process. + On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim + exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero. + + *getpos()* +getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr} + see |line()|. + The result is a |List| with four numbers: + [bufnum, lnum, col, off] + "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it + is the buffer number of the mark. + "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first + column is 1. + The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then + it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the + character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last + character. + This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: > + let save_cursor = getpos(".") + MoveTheCursorAround + call setpos('.', save_cursor) +< Also see |setpos()|. + +pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()* + Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the + result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other + components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading + '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: > + :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim') +< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~ + It doesn't matter if the path exists or not. + +pow({x}, {y}) *pow()* + Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|. + {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo pow(3, 3) +< 27.0 > + :echo pow(2, 16) +< 65536.0 > + :echo pow(32, 0.20) +< 2.0 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + +prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()* + Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum} + that is not blank. Example: > + let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1)) +< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or + above it, zero is returned. + Also see |nextnonblank()|. + + +printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()* + Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by + the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: > + printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg) +< May result in: + " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~ + + Often used items are: + %s string + %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes + %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes + %c single byte + %d decimal number + %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters + %x hex number + %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters + %X hex number using upper case letters + %o octal number + %f floating point number in the form 123.456 + %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3 + %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3 + %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value + %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value + %% the % character itself + + Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the + conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to + the result. + + The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following + arguments appear in sequence: + + % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type + + flags + Zero or more of the following flags: + + # The value should be converted to an "alternate + form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option + has no effect. For o conversions, the precision + of the number is increased to force the first + character of the output string to a zero (except + if a zero value is printed with an explicit + precision of zero). + For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has + the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions) + prepended to it. + + 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted + value is padded on the left with zeros rather + than blanks. If a precision is given with a + numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag + is ignored. + + - A negative field width flag; the converted value + is to be left adjusted on the field boundary. + The converted value is padded on the right with + blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or + zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given. + + ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive + number produced by a signed conversion (d). + + + A sign must always be placed before a number + produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides + a space if both are used. + + field-width + An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum + field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes + than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on + the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has + been given) to fill out the field width. + + .precision + An optional precision, in the form of a period '.' + followed by an optional digit string. If the digit + string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero. + This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for + d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of + bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions. + For floating point it is the number of digits after + the decimal point. + + type + A character that specifies the type of conversion to + be applied, see below. + + A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an + asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a + Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A + negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag + followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is + treated as though it were missing. Example: > + :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line) +< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to + "width" bytes. + + The conversion specifiers and their meanings are: + + *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X* + doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal + (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x + and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for + x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X + conversions. + The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of + digits that must appear; if the converted value + requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with + zeros. + In no case does a non-existent or small field width + cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of + a conversion is wider than the field width, the field + is expanded to contain the conversion result. + + *printf-c* + c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the + resulting character is written. + + *printf-s* + s The text of the String argument is used. If a + precision is specified, no more bytes than the number + specified are used. + + *printf-f* *E807* + f The Float argument is converted into a string of the + form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of + digits after the decimal point. When the precision is + zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision + is not specified 6 is used. A really big number + (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf". + "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan". + Example: > + echo printf("%.2f", 12.115) +< 12.12 + Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries. + Use |round()| when in doubt. + + *printf-e* *printf-E* + e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the + form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The + precision specifies the number of digits after the + decimal point, like with 'f'. + + *printf-g* *printf-G* + g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the + value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0 + (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E' + for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous + zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero + immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0 + results in 1.0e7. + + *printf-%* + % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The + complete conversion specification is "%%". + + When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also + accepted and automatically converted. + When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument + is also accepted and automatically converted. + Any other argument type results in an error message. + + *E766* *E767* + The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number + of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many + arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used. + + +pumvisible() *pumvisible()* + Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero + otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|. + This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the + popup menu. + + *E726* *E727* +range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()* + Returns a |List| with Numbers: + - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1] + - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}] + - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ..., + {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not + producing a value past {max}). + When the maximum is one before the start the result is an + empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the + start this is an error. + Examples: > + range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3] + range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4] + range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8] + range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2] + range(0) " [] + range(2, 0) " error! +< + *readfile()* +readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]]) + Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file + as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files + separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a + NL appears somewhere). + All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character. + When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: + - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is + added. + - No CR characters are removed. + Otherwise: + - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed. + - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter. + - When 'encoding' is Unicode any UTF-8 byte order mark is + removed from the text. + When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines + to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten + lines of a file: > + :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10) + : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif + :endfor +< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file + are returned, or as many as there are. + When {max} is zero the result is an empty list. + Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory. + Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a + file into a buffer if you need to. + When the file can't be opened an error message is given and + the result is an empty list. + Also see |writefile()|. + +reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()* + Return an item that represents a time value. The format of + the item depends on the system. It can be passed to + |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string. + Without an argument it returns the current time. + With one argument is returns the time passed since the time + specified in the argument. + With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start} + and {end}. + The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by + reltime(). + {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature} + +reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()* + Return a String that represents the time value of {time}. + This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of + microseconds. Example: > + let start = reltime() + call MyFunction() + echo reltimestr(reltime(start)) +< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time. + The accuracy depends on the system. + Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You + can use split() to remove it. > + echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0] +< Also see |profiling|. + {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature} + + *remote_expr()* *E449* +remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}]) + Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an + expression and the result is returned after evaluation. + The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned + into a String by joining the items with a line break in + between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n"). + If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a + variable and a {serverid} for later use with + remote_read() is stored there. + See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|. + This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature} + Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued + and the result will be the empty string. + Examples: > + :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2") + :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax") +< + +remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()* + Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground. + This works like: > + remote_expr({server}, "foreground()") +< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work + around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server + to bring itself to the foreground. + Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized, + like foreground() does. + This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the + Win32 console version} + + +remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()* + Returns a positive number if there are available strings + from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable + {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the + name of a variable. + Returns zero if none are available. + Returns -1 if something is wrong. + See also |clientserver|. + This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature} + Examples: > + :let repl = "" + :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl + +remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()* + Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume + it. It blocks until a reply is available. + See also |clientserver|. + This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature} + Example: > + :echo remote_read(id) +< + *remote_send()* *E241* +remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}]) + Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input + keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server + the keys are not mapped |:map|. + If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable + and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored + there. + See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|. + This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature} + Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess + up the display. + Examples: > + :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid"). + \ remote_read(serverid) + + :autocmd NONE RemoteReply * + \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>")) + :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ". + \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>') +< +remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()* + Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and + return the item. + With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and + return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same + item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end} + points to an item before {idx} this is an error. + See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}. + Example: > + :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1) + :call remove(mylist, 0, 9) +remove({dict}, {key}) + Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: > + :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one") +< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error. + + Use |delete()| to remove a file. + +rename({from}, {to}) *rename()* + Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This + should also work to move files across file systems. The + result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed + successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed. + NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning. + This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + +repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()* + Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated + result. Example: > + :let separator = repeat('-', 80) +< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty. + When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated + {count} times. Example: > + :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3) +< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b']. + + +resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655* + On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file), + returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form. + On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path + components of {filename} and return the simplified result. + To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is + stopped after 100 iterations. + On other systems, return the simplified {filename}. + The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|. + resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the + current directory (provided the result is still a relative + path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator. + + *reverse()* +reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns + {list}. + If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: > + :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist)) + +round({expr}) *round()* + Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it + as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral + values, then use the larger one (away from zero). + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + echo round(0.456) +< 0.0 > + echo round(4.5) +< 5.0 > + echo round(-4.5) +< -5.0 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()* + Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the + cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it). + + {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags: + 'b' search backward instead of forward + 'c' accept a match at the cursor position + 'e' move to the End of the match + 'n' do Not move the cursor + 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below) + 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor + 'w' wrap around the end of the file + 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file + If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies. + + If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the + cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n' + flag. + + 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used. + + When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops + after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the + search to a range of lines. Examples: > + let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0")) + let end = search('END', '', line("w$")) +< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies + that the search does not wrap around the end of the file. + A zero value is equal to not giving the argument. + + When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when + more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when + {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second. + The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not + giving the argument. + {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature} + + If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't + move. No error message is given. + When a match has been found its line number is returned. + *search()-sub-match* + With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the + first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the + whole pattern did match. + To get the column number too use |searchpos()|. + + The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n' + flag is used. + + Example (goes over all files in the argument list): > + :let n = 1 + :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist + : exe "argument " . n + : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the + : " first search to find match at start of file + : normal G$ + : let flags = "w" + : while search("foo", flags) > 0 + : s/foo/bar/g + : let flags = "W" + : endwhile + : update " write the file if modified + : let n = n + 1 + :endwhile +< + Example for using some flags: > + :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe') +< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif" + under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it + returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0 + if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the + line: + if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~ + the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function + finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens + without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if". + The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor. + + +searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()* + Search for the declaration of {name}. + + With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find + first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find + first match in the function. + + With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block + that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids + finding variable declarations only valid in another scope. + + Moves the cursor to the found match. + Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure. + Example: > + if searchdecl('myvar') == 0 + echo getline('.') + endif +< + *searchpair()* +searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} + [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]]) + Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be + used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other + if/endif pairs in between are ignored. + The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search + forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward. + If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the + line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is + returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is + given. + + {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They + must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When + {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either + direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A + typical use is: > + searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>') +< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped. + + {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with + |search()|. Additionally: + 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the + outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag. + 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with + the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used. + Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to + avoid wrapping around the end of the file. + + When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the + {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on + the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this + match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment + or a string. + When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted. + When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted + and -1 returned. + + For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|. + + The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the + patterns are used like it's on. + + The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with + {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the + direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: > + if 1 + if 2 + endif 2 + endif 1 +< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and + searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on + the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be + found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and + then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to + "endif 2". + When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character, + it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so + that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds + the matching start. + + Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: > + + :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W', + \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""') + +< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is + to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid + having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only + catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command. + Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a + match. + Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": > + + :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW') + +< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a + match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax + highlighting recognized as strings: > + + :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW', + \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"') +< + *searchpairpos()* +searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} + [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]]) + Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and + column position of the match. The first element of the |List| + is the line number and the second element is the byte index of + the column position of the match. If no match is found, + returns [0, 0]. > + + :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n') +< + See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example. + +searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()* + Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and + column position of the match. The first element of the |List| + is the line number and the second element is the byte index of + the column position of the match. If no match is found, + returns [0, 0]. + Example: > + :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n') + +< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with + the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: > + :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np') +< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is + found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|. + +server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()* + Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid} + that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>"). + {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature} + Note: + This id has to be stored before the next command can be + received. I.e. before returning from the received command and + before calling any commands that waits for input. + See also |clientserver|. + Example: > + :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO") +< +serverlist() *serverlist()* + Return a list of available server names, one per line. + When there are no servers or the information is not available + an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|. + {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature} + Example: > + :echo serverlist() +< +setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()* + Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to + {val}. + This also works for a global or local window option, but it + doesn't work for a global or local window variable. + For a local window option the global value is unchanged. + For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. + Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used. + Examples: > + :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1) + :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar") +< This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + +setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()* + Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position + {pos}. The first position is 1. + Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position. + Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use + |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For + |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is + set after the command line is set to the expression. For + |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but + before inserting the resulting text. + When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the + line. A number smaller than one has undefined results. + Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command + line. + +setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()* + Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}. + {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. + When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be + added as a new line. + If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely + because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: > + :call setline(5, strftime("%c")) +< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines + will be set to the items in the list. Example: > + :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']) +< This is equivalent to: > + :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']] + : call setline(n, l) + :endfor +< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set. + +setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()* + Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}. + When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location + list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an + invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned. + Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|. + Also see |location-list|. + +setmatches({list}) *setmatches()* + Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0 + if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared + before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|. + + *setpos()* +setpos({expr}, {list}) + Set the position for {expr}. Possible values: + . the cursor + 'x mark x + + {list} must be a |List| with four numbers: + [bufnum, lnum, col, off] + + "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the + current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for + the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can + use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer + number. + Does not change the jumplist. + + "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first + column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is + smaller than 1 then 1 is used. + + The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then + it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the + character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last + character. + + Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise. + An error message is given if {expr} is invalid. + + Also see |getpos()| + + This does not restore the preferred column for moving + vertically. See |winrestview()| for that. + + +setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()* + Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items + in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary. + Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary + item can contain the following entries: + + bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid + buffer + filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not + present or it is invalid. + lnum line number in the file + pattern search pattern used to locate the error + col column number + vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column + when zero: "col" is byte index + nr error number + text description of the error + type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc. + + The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are + optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to + locate a matching error line. + If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or + neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the + item will not be handled as an error line. + If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will + be used. + If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be + cleared. + Note that the list is not exactly the same as what + |getqflist()| returns. + + If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are + added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing + list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r', + then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced + with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is + set to ' ', then a new list is created. + + Returns zero for success, -1 for failure. + + This function can be used to create a quickfix list + independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like + ":cc 1" to jump to the first position. + + + *setreg()* +setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}]) + Set the register {regname} to {value}. + If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case, + then the value is appended. + {options} can also contain a register type specification: + "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode + "l" or "V" |linewise| mode + "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode + If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is + used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified + then the width of the block is set to the number of characters + in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character). + + If {options} contains no register settings, then the default + is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>. + Setting the '=' register is not possible. + Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure. + + Examples: > + :call setreg(v:register, @*) + :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac') + :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5') + +< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a + register. > + :let var_a = getreg('a', 1) + :let var_amode = getregtype('a') + .... + :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode) + +< You can also change the type of a register by appending + nothing: > + :call setreg('a', '', 'al') + +settabvar({tabnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabvar()* + Set tab-local variable {varname} to {val} in tab page {tabnr}. + |t:var| + Note that the variable name without "t:" must be used. + Tabs are numbered starting with one. + Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger + TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands. + This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + +settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()* + Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to + {val}. + Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage + use |setwinvar()|. + When {winnr} is zero the current window is used. + This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it + doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable. + For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged. + Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used. + Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger + TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands. + Examples: > + :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0) + :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar") +< This function is not available in the |sandbox|. + +setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()* + Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page. + Examples: > + :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0) + :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar") + +shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()* + Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument. + On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it + will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double + quotes within {string}. + For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes + and replace all "'" with "'\''". + When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero + Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special + items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by + a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!| + command. + The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg| + {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is + because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement + even when inside single quotes. + The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg| + {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's + escaped a second time. + Example of use with a |:!| command: > + :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1) +< This results in a directory listing for the file under the + cursor. Example of use with |system()|: > + :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%"))) + + +simplify({filename}) *simplify()* + Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing + the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on + Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in + {filename} designates the current directory, this will be + valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is + not removed either. + Example: > + simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/" +< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is + a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also + removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same + directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic + links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|. + + +sin({expr}) *sin()* + Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo sin(100) +< -0.506366 > + :echo sin(-4.01) +< 0.763301 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +sinh({expr}) *sinh()* + Return the hyperbolic sine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range + [-inf, inf]. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo sinh(0.5) +< 0.521095 > + :echo sinh(-0.9) +< -1.026517 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702* + Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you + want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: > + :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist)) +< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on. + Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers. + For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|. + When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored. + When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function + is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two + items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or + bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or + smaller if the first one sorts before the second one. + Example: > + func MyCompare(i1, i2) + return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1 + endfunc + let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare") +< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which + ignores overflow: > + func MyCompare(i1, i2) + return a:i1 - a:i2 + endfunc +< + *soundfold()* +soundfold({word}) + Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first + language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports + soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is + possible the {word} is returned unmodified. + This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that + the method can be quite slow. + + *spellbadword()* +spellbadword([{sentence}]) + Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under + or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the + bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the + result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move. + + With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that + is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the + result is an empty string. + + The return value is a list with two items: + - The badly spelled word or an empty string. + - The type of the spelling error: + "bad" spelling mistake + "rare" rare word + "local" word only valid in another region + "caps" word should start with Capital + Example: > + echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox") +< ['quik', 'bad'] ~ + + The spelling information for the current window is used. The + 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is + used. + + *spellsuggest()* +spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]]) + Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}. + When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are + returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned. + + When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only + suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this + after a match with 'spellcapcheck'. + + {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text. + This allows for joining two words that were split. The + suggestions also include the following text, thus you can + replace a line. + + {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be + returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions, + although it may appear capitalized. + + The spelling information for the current window is used. The + 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and + 'spellsuggest' are used. + + +split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()* + Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or + empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an + item. + Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches, + removing the matched characters. + When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the + {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero. + Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one + character or when {keepempty} is non-zero. + Example: > + :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+') +< To split a string in individual characters: > + :for c in split(mystring, '\zs') +< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': > + :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs') +< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~ + Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: > + :let items = split(line, ':', 1) +< The opposite function is |join()|. + + +sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()* + Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a + |Float|. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr} + is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number). + Examples: > + :echo sqrt(100) +< 10.0 > + :echo sqrt(-4.01) +< nan + "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries. + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +str2float( {expr}) *str2float()* + Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same + as when using a floating point number in an expression, see + |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive. + E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to + write "1.0e40". + Text after the number is silently ignored. + The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is + set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to + 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with + |substitute()|: > + let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g')) +< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()* + Convert string {expr} to a number. + {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16. + When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that + a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as + with the default String to Number conversion. + When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a + different base the result will be zero. + Text after the number is silently ignored. + + +strchars({expr}) *strchars()* + The result is a Number, which is the number of characters + String {expr} occupies. Composing characters are counted + separately. + Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strwidth()|. + +strdisplaywidth({expr}[, {col}]) *strdisplaywidth()* + The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells + String {expr} occupies on the screen. + When {col} is omitted zero is used. Otherwise it is the + screen column where to start. This matters for Tab + characters. + The option settings of the current window are used. This + matters for anything that's displayed differently, such as + 'tabstop' and 'display'. + When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class + Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'. + Also see |strlen()|, |strwidth()| and |strchars()|. + +strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()* + The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as + specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used, + or the current time if no time is given. The accepted + {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable! + See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the + format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters. + See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|. + The language can be changed with the |:language| command. + Examples: > + :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997 + :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25 + :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55 + :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55 + :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c")) + Show mod time of file.c. +< Not available on all systems. To check use: > + :if exists("*strftime") + +stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()* + The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in + {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}. + If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}. + This can be used to find a second match: > + :let colon1 = stridx(line, ":") + :let colon2 = stridx(line, ":", colon1 + 1) +< The search is done case-sensitive. + For pattern searches use |match()|. + -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}. + See also |strridx()|. + Examples: > + :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3 + :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0 + :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1 +< *strstr()* *strchr()* + stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used + with a single character it works similar to strchr(). + + *string()* +string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number, + Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be + parsed back with |eval()|. + {expr} type result ~ + String 'string' + Number 123 + Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8 + Funcref function('name') + List [item, item] + Dictionary {key: value, key: value} + Note that in String values the ' character is doubled. + Also see |strtrans()|. + + *strlen()* +strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String + {expr} in bytes. + If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not + counting composing characters) use something like this: > + + :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g")) +< + If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String. + For other types an error is given. + Also see |len()|, |strchars()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and + |strwidth()|. + +strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()* + The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from + byte {start}, with the byte length {len}. + When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in + an error, the bytes are simply omitted. + If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the + end of the {src}. > + strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de" + strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab" + strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg" + strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg" +< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For + example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: > + strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3) +< +strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()* + The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in + {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}. + When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are + ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous + match: > + :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",") + :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1) +< The search is done case-sensitive. + For pattern searches use |match()|. + -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}. + If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned. + See also |stridx()|. Examples: > + :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3 +< *strrchr()* + When used with a single character it works similar to the C + function strrchr(). + +strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()* + The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable + characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|. + Like they are shown in a window. Example: > + echo strtrans(@a) +< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of + starting a new line. + +strwidth({expr}) *strwidth()* + The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells + String {expr} occupies. A Tab character is counted as one + cell, alternatively use |strdisplaywidth()|. + When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class + Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'. + Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strchars()|. + +submatch({nr}) *submatch()* + Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns + the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0 + the whole matched text is returned. + Example: > + :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/ +< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it. + A line break is included as a newline character. + +substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()* + The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which + the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works + like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the + matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is + set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable). + 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used. + See |string-match| for how {pat} is used. + And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}. + Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning + |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with + "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'. + When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned + unmodified. + When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are + replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "". + Example: > + :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "") +< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. > + :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "") +< results in "TESTING". + +synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()* + The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position + {lnum} and {col} in the current window. + The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and + |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text. + + {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first + line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned. + + When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the + item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know + the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent + item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which + syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens). + Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is + obtained by going through the file in forward direction. + + Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): > + :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name") +< + +synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()* + The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of + syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information + about a syntax item. + {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes + for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is + used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are + used (GUI, cterm or term). + Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups. + {what} result + "name" the name of the syntax item + "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set + the color, cterm: color number as a string, + term: empty string) + "bg" background color (as with "fg") + "font" font name (only available in the GUI) + |highlight-font| + "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp| + "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is + running the name in "#RRGGBB" form + "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg" + "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp" + "bold" "1" if bold + "italic" "1" if italic + "reverse" "1" if reverse + "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse) + "standout" "1" if standout + "underline" "1" if underlined + "undercurl" "1" if undercurled + + Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the + cursor): > + :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg") +< +synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()* + The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of + {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to + highlight the character. Highlight links given with + ":highlight link" are followed. + +synconcealed({lnum}, {col}) *synconcealed()* + The result is a List. The first item in the list is 0 if the + character at the position {lnum} and {col} is not part of a + concealable region, 1 if it is. The second item in the list is + a string. If the first item is 1, the second item contains the + text which will be displayed in place of the concealed text, + depending on the current setting of 'conceallevel'. The third + and final item in the list is a unique number representing the + specific syntax region matched. This allows detection of the + beginning of a new concealable region if there are two + consecutive regions with the same replacement character. + For an example use see $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/2html.vim . + + +synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()* + Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the + position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in + the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns. + The first item in the List is the outer region, following are + items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()| + returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a + transparent item. + This function is useful for debugging a syntax file. + Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: > + for id in synstack(line("."), col(".")) + echo synIDattr(id, "name") + endfor +< When the position specified with {lnum} and {col} is invalid + nothing is returned. The position just after the last + character in a line and the first column in an empty line are + valid positions. + +system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677* + Get the output of the shell command {expr}. + When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and + passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is, + you need to take care of using the correct line separators + yourself. Pipes are not used. + Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a + command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to + fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may + also cause trouble. + This is not to be used for interactive commands. + + The result is a String. Example: > + :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'))) + +< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output + is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and + <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems. + The command executed is constructed using several options: + 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote' + ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name). + For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for + concatenated commands. + + The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a + CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least). + + The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|. + This function will fail in |restricted-mode|. + + Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may + make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail + when using a security agent application. + Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files. + Use |:checktime| to force a check. + + +tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()* + The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the + buffer associated with each window in the current tab page. + {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When + omitted the current tab page is used. + When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned. + To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: > + tablist = [] + for i in range(tabpagenr('$')) + call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1)) + endfor +< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window. + + +tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()* + The result is a Number, which is the number of the current + tab page. The first tab page has number 1. + When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab + page is returned (the tab page count). + The number can be used with the |:tab| command. + + +tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()* + Like |winnr()| but for tab page {tabarg}. + {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. + {arg} is used like with |winnr()|: + - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is + the window which will be used when going to this tab page. + - When "$" the number of windows is returned. + - When "#" the previous window nr is returned. + Useful examples: > + tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1 + tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4 +< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned. + + *tagfiles()* +tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags + for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded. + + +taglist({expr}) *taglist()* + Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}. + Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following + entries: + name Name of the tag. + filename Name of the file where the tag is + defined. It is either relative to the + current directory or a full path. + cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in + the file. + kind Type of the tag. The value for this + entry depends on the language specific + kind values. Only available when + using a tags file generated by + Exuberant ctags or hdrtag. + static A file specific tag. Refer to + |static-tag| for more information. + More entries may be present, depending on the content of the + tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature. + Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these + fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum" + may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is + contained in. + + The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a + line number or a line number followed by a byte number. + + If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned. + + To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be + used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information + about the tag search regular expression pattern. + + Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is + located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of + the tags file generated by the different ctags tools. + +tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name* + The result is a String, which is the name of a file that + doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name + is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: > + :let tmpfile = tempname() + :exe "redir > " . tmpfile +< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|. + For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash' + option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'. + + +tan({expr}) *tan()* + Return the tangent of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float| + in the range [-inf, inf]. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo tan(10) +< 0.648361 > + :echo tan(-4.01) +< -1.181502 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +tanh({expr}) *tanh()* + Return the hyperbolic tangent of {expr} as a |Float| in the + range [-1, 1]. + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + :echo tanh(0.5) +< 0.462117 > + :echo tanh(-1) +< -0.761594 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + +tolower({expr}) *tolower()* + The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase + characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to + the string). + +toupper({expr}) *toupper()* + The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase + characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to + the string). + +tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()* + The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters + which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that + position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in + {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr} + and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command. + This code also deals with multibyte characters properly. + + Examples: > + echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT") +< returns "Hello THere" > + echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}") +< returns "{blob}" + +trunc({expr}) *trunc()* + Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or + equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero). + {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. + Examples: > + echo trunc(1.456) +< 1.0 > + echo trunc(-5.456) +< -5.0 > + echo trunc(4.0) +< 4.0 + {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} + + *type()* +type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}: + Number: 0 + String: 1 + Funcref: 2 + List: 3 + Dictionary: 4 + Float: 5 + To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: > + :if type(myvar) == type(0) + :if type(myvar) == type("") + :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr")) + :if type(myvar) == type([]) + :if type(myvar) == type({}) + :if type(myvar) == type(0.0) + +undofile({name}) *undofile()* + Return the name of the undo file that would be used for a file + with name {name} when writing. This uses the 'undodir' + option, finding directories that exist. It does not check if + the undo file exists. + {name} is always expanded to the full path, since that is what + is used internally. + Useful in combination with |:wundo| and |:rundo|. + When compiled without the +persistent_undo option this always + returns an empty string. + +undotree() *undotree()* + Return the current state of the undo tree in a dictionary with + the following items: + "seq_last" The highest undo sequence number used. + "seq_cur" The sequence number of the current position in + the undo tree. This differs from "seq_last" + when some changes were undone. + "time_cur" Time last used for |:earlier| and related + commands. Use |strftime()| to convert to + something readable. + "save_last" Number of the last file write. Zero when no + write yet. + "save_cur" Number of the current position in the undo + tree. + "synced" Non-zero when the last undo block was synced. + This happens when waiting from input from the + user. See |undo-blocks|. + "entries" A list of dictionaries with information about + undo blocks. + + The first item in the "entries" list is the oldest undo item. + Each List item is a Dictionary with these items: + "seq" Undo sequence number. Same as what appears in + |:undolist|. + "time" Timestamp when the change happened. Use + |strftime()| to convert to something readable. + "newhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one + that was added. This marks the last change + and where further changes will be added. + "curhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one + that was undone. This marks the current + position in the undo tree, the block that will + be used by a redo command. When nothing was + undone after the last change this item will + not appear anywhere. + "save" Only appears on the last block before a file + write. The number is the write count. The + first write has number 1, the last one the + "save_last" mentioned above. + "alt" Alternate entry. This is again a List of undo + blocks. Each item may again have an "alt" + item. + +values({dict}) *values()* + Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is + in arbitrary order. + + +virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()* + The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file + position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position + occupied by the character at that position, when the screen + would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the + position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of + the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts' + set to 8, it returns 8. + For the byte position use |col()|. + For the use of {expr} see |col()|. + When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where + "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the + character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last + character. + When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position + beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'| + The accepted positions are: + . the cursor position + $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the + number of displayed characters in the cursor line + plus one) + 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is + returned) + Note that only marks in the current file can be used. + Examples: > + virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5 + virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9 + virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6 +< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error. + A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of + all lines: > + echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])")) + + +visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()* + The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode + used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty + string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v", + "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for + character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode + respectively. + Example: > + :exe "normal " . visualmode() +< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful + in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the + Visual mode that was used. + If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode + (e.g., in a |:vmap|). + *non-zero-arg* + If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or + a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and + the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also + non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List, + Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not + cause the mode to be cleared. + + *winbufnr()* +winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer + associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of + the buffer in the current window is returned. When window + {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned. + Example: > + :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0)) +< + *wincol()* +wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the + cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the + left side of the window. The leftmost column is one. + +winheight({nr}) *winheight()* + The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}. + When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is + returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned. + An existing window always has a height of zero or more. + Examples: > + :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines." +< + *winline()* +winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor + in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of + the window. The first line is one. + If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated + first, this may cause a scroll. + + *winnr()* +winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current + window. The top window has number 1. + When the optional argument is "$", the number of the + last window is returned (the window count). + When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last + accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to). + If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0 + is returned. + The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w" + |:wincmd|. + Also see |tabpagewinnr()|. + + *winrestcmd()* +winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore + the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows + are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is + unchanged. + Example: > + :let cmd = winrestcmd() + :call MessWithWindowSizes() + :exe cmd +< + *winrestview()* +winrestview({dict}) + Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore + the view of the current window. + If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable. + If the window size changed the result won't be the same. + + *winsaveview()* +winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore + the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to + restore the view. + This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the + buffer and you want to go back to the original view. + This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable' + option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are + not opened when moving around. + The return value includes: + lnum cursor line number + col cursor column + coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit' + curswant column for vertical movement + topline first line in the window + topfill filler lines, only in diff mode + leftcol first column displayed + skipcol columns skipped + Note that no option values are saved. + + +winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()* + The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}. + When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is + returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned. + An existing window always has a width of zero or more. + Examples: > + :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns." + :if winwidth(0) <= 50 + : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|" + :endif +< + *writefile()* +writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}]) + Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is + separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or + Number. + When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will + not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the + end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL. + All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character. + Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list} + to writefile(). + An existing file is overwritten, if possible. + When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an + error message if the file can't be created or when writing + fails. + Also see |readfile()|. + To copy a file byte for byte: > + :let fl = readfile("foo", "b") + :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b") +< + + *feature-list* +There are three types of features: +1. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim + was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: > + :if has("cindent") +2. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met. + Example: > + :if has("gui_running") +< *has-patch* +3. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim. + Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for + this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): > + :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148") +< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is + included. + +all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled. +amiga Amiga version of Vim. +arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|. +arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga). +autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand| +balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support. +balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons. +beos BeOS version of Vim. +browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will + work. +builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals. +byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline' +cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support. +clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|. +clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support. +cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support. +cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support. +cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support. +comments Compiled with |'comments'| support. +compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible. +cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|. +cscope Compiled with |cscope| support. +debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined. +dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support. +dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support. +diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support. +digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs. +dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|. +dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim. +dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim. +ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set. +emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags. +eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always + true, of course! +ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|. +extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and + |'hlsearch'| +farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|. +file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>| +filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell + read/write/filter commands +find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches + |+find_in_path|. +float Compiled with support for |Float|. +fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and + Windows this is not present). +folding Compiled with |folding| support. +footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer| +fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system(). +gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang| +gui Compiled with GUI enabled. +gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI. +gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined). +gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version). +gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined). +gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI. +gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI. +gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI. +gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon. +gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI. +gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1) +hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul| +iconv Can use iconv() for conversion. +insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in + Insert mode. +jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support. +keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support. +langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support. +libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support. +linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak' + support. +lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting. +listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files| + and the argument list |arglist|. +localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local| +lua Compiled with Lua interface |Lua|. +mac Macintosh version of Vim. +macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X). +menu Compiled with support for |:menu|. +mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|. +modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers| +mouse Compiled with support mouse. +mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse. +mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse) +mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse. +mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse. +mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse) +mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse. +mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'. +multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding' +multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding. +multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method. +multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages. +mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|. +netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and connected. +netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|. +ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32. +os2 OS/2 version of Vim. +osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype| +path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags' +perl Compiled with Perl interface. +persistent_undo Compiled with support for persistent undo history. +postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing. +printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support. +profile Compiled with |:profile| support. +python Compiled with Python interface. +qnx QNX version of Vim. +quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support. +reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support. +rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support. +ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|. +scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support. +showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support. +signs Compiled with |:sign| support. +smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support. +sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support. +spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|. +startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support. +statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat' + and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'. +sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|. +syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|. +syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the + current buffer. +system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec(). +tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files + |tag-binary-search|. +tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags + |tag-old-static|. +tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags + files |tag-any-white|. +tcl Compiled with Tcl interface. +terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap. +termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|. +textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|. +tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap + or terminfo file. +title Compiled with window title support |'title'|. +toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|. +unix Unix version of Vim. +user_commands User-defined commands. +vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|. +vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place. |startup| +viminfo Compiled with viminfo support. +virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option. +visual Compiled with Visual mode. +visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands. + |blockwise-operators|. +vms VMS version of Vim. +vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands. +wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option. +wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option. +win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1). +win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP). +win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin) +win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit). +win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME. +winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option. +windows Compiled with support for more than one window. +writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on. +xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|. +xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|. +xsmp Compiled with X session management support. +xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support. +xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard. +xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the + xterm screen. +x11 Compiled with X11 support. + + *string-match* +Matching a pattern in a String + +A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in +the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost +everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled +like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a +line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or +with ".". Example: > + :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx" + :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..") + aa + xx + :echo matchstr(a, "a.x") + a + x + +Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and +"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a +"\n". + +============================================================================== +5. Defining functions *user-functions* + +New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin +functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode +commands can be executed with the |:normal| command. + +The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with +builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts +avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with +the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()". + +It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the +|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called. + + *local-function* +A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function +can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands +and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the +function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used +instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script. + + *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123* +:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments. + +:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}. + {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a + |Funcref|: > + :function dict.init + +:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}. + Example that lists all functions ending with "File": > + :function /File$ +< + *:function-verbose* +When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was +last defined. Example: > + + :verbose function SetFileTypeSH + function SetFileTypeSH(name) + Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim +< +See |:verbose-cmd| for more information. + + *E124* *E125* +:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict] + Define a new function by the name {name}. The name + must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and + must start with a capital or "s:" (see above). + + {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a + |Funcref|: > + :function dict.init(arg) +< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry + "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!] + is required to overwrite an existing function. The + result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The + function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be + deleted if there are no more references to it. + *E127* *E122* + When a function by this name already exists and [!] is + not used an error message is given. When [!] is used, + an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it + is currently being executed, that is an error. + + For the {arguments} see |function-argument|. + + *a:firstline* *a:lastline* + When the [range] argument is added, the function is + expected to take care of a range itself. The range is + passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range] + is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for + each line in the range, with the cursor on the start + of each line. See |function-range-example|. + + When the [abort] argument is added, the function will + abort as soon as an error is detected. + + When the [dict] argument is added, the function must + be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The + local variable "self" will then be set to the + dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|. + + *function-search-undo* + The last used search pattern and the redo command "." + will not be changed by the function. This also + implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone + when the function returns. + + *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193* +:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line + by its own, without other commands. + + *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131* +:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}. + {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a + |Funcref|: > + :delfunc dict.init +< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The + function is deleted if there are no more references to + it. + *:retu* *:return* *E133* +:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is + evaluated and returned as the result of the function. + If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned. + When a function ends without an explicit ":return", + the number 0 is returned. + Note that there is no check for unreachable lines, + thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return". + + If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the + matching |:finally| (if present), the commands + following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry| + are executed first. This process applies to all + nested ":try"s inside the function. The function + returns at the outermost ":endtry". + + *function-argument* *a:var* +An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then +be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument). + *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...* +Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named +arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments +may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used +as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which +can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note +that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]". + *E742* +The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed. +However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents. +Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to +it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or +|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|. + +When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal +to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments +may be larger. + +It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must +still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines, +until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function +inside a function body. + + *local-variables* +Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which +will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be +accessed with "g:". + +Example: > + :function Table(title, ...) + : echohl Title + : echo a:title + : echohl None + : echo a:0 . " items:" + : for s in a:000 + : echon ' ' . s + : endfor + :endfunction + +This function can then be called with: > + call Table("Table", "line1", "line2") + call Table("Empty Table") + +To return more than one value, return a |List|: > + :function Compute(n1, n2) + : if a:n2 == 0 + : return ["fail", 0] + : endif + : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2] + :endfunction + +This function can then be called with: > + :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6) + :if success == "ok" + : echo div + :endif +< + *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117* +:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments]) + Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments + are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be + used. The returned value is discarded. + Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the + function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is + positioned at the start of the first line before executing the + function. + When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it + itself, the function is executed for each line in the range, + with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor + is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function + call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus + this works: + *function-range-example* > + :function Mynumber(arg) + : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg + :endfunction + :1,5call Mynumber(getline(".")) +< + The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they + can be used to do something different at the start or end of + the range. + + Example of a function that handles the range itself: > + + :function Cont() range + : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ ' + :endfunction + :4,8call Cont() +< + This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front + of all the lines in the range, except the first one. + + When the function returns a composite value it can be further + dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: > + :4,8call GetDict().method() +< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not. + + *E132* +The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'| +option. + + +AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~ + *autoload-functions* +When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them +only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with +the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'. + + +Using an autocommand ~ + +This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|. + +The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file. +You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|. +That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file +again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command. + +Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the +function(s) to be defined. Example: > + + :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim + +The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with +"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|. + + +Using an autoload script ~ + *autoload* *E746* +This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|. + +Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using +exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name +like this: > + + :call filename#funcname() + +When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the +"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called +"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should +then define the function like this: > + + function filename#funcname() + echo "Done!" + endfunction + +The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match +exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be +called. + +It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like +a path separator. Thus when calling a function: > + + :call foo#bar#func() + +Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'. + +This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: > + + :let l = foo#bar#lvar + +However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again +for an unknown variable. + +When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can +be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: > + + :let foo#bar#toggle = 1 + :call foo#bar#func() + +Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be +defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the +function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function. +And you will get an error message every time. + +Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the +other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work. +Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel. + +Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the +|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|. + +============================================================================== +6. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names* + +Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable. +This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces +{} like this: > + my_{adjective}_variable + +When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts +that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable +name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to +"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if +"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable". + +One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option +value. For example, the statement > + echo my_{&background}_message + +would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending +on the current value of 'background'. + +You can use multiple brace pairs: > + echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message +..or even nest them: > + echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message +where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective". + +However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single +variable name, e.g. this is invalid: > + :let foo='a + b' + :echo c{foo}d +.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name. + + *curly-braces-function-names* +You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way. +Example: > + :let func_end='whizz' + :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter) + +This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)". + +============================================================================== +7. Commands *expression-commands* + +:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18* + Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the + expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type + from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it + is created. + +:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689* + Set a list item to the result of the expression + {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx} + must be a valid index in that list. For nested list + the index can be repeated. + This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|. + This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You + can do that like this: > + :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:] +< + *E711* *E719* +:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710* + Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of + the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the + correct number of items. + {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead. + {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list. + When the selected range of items is partly past the + end of the list, items will be added. + + *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734* +:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}". +:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}". +:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}". + These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type + of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator. + + +:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$* + Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of + the expression {expr1}. The type is always String. +:let ${env-name} .= {expr1} + Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}. + If the environment variable didn't exist yet this + works like "=". + +:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@* + Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register + {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and + must be the name of a writable register (see + |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed + register, "@/" for the search pattern. + If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the + register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to + characterwise. + This can be used to clear the last search pattern: > + :let @/ = "" +< This is different from searching for an empty string, + that would match everywhere. + +:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1} + Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the + register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}. + +:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&* + Set option {option-name} to the result of the + expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is + always converted to the type of the option. + For an option local to a window or buffer the effect + is just like using the |:set| command: both the local + value and the global value are changed. + Example: > + :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include' + +:let &{option-name} .= {expr1} + For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value. + Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|. + +:let &{option-name} += {expr1} +:let &{option-name} -= {expr1} + For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract + {expr1}. + +:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1} +:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1} +:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1} +:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1} + Like above, but only set the local value of an option + (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|. + +:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1} +:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1} +:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1} +:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1} + Like above, but only set the global value of an option + (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|. + +:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688* + {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in + the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to + {name2}, etc. + The number of names must match the number of items in + the |List|. + Each name can be one of the items of the ":let" + command as mentioned above. + Example: > + :let [s, item] = GetItem(s) +< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the + assignments are done in sequence. This matters if + {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: > + :let x = [0, 1] + :let i = 0 + :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2] + :echo x +< The result is [0, 2]. + +:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1} +:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1} +:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1} + Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each + |List| item. + +:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1} + Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more + items than there are names. A list of the remaining + items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no + remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list. + Example: > + :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4] +< +:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1} +:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1} +:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1} + Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each + |List| item. + + *E121* +:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple + variable names may be given. Special names recognized + here: *E738* + g: global variables + b: local buffer variables + w: local window variables + t: local tab page variables + s: script-local variables + l: local function variables + v: Vim variables. + +:let List the values of all variables. The type of the + variable is indicated before the value: + <nothing> String + # Number + * Funcref + + +:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795* + Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable + names can be given, they are all removed. The name + may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item. + With [!] no error message is given for non-existing + variables. + One or more items from a |List| can be removed: > + :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item + :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last +< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: > + :unlet dict['two'] + :unlet dict.two +< This is especially useful to clean up used global + variables and script-local variables (these are not + deleted when the script ends). Function-local + variables are automatically deleted when the function + ends. + +:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv* + Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that + it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked). + A locked variable can be deleted: > + :lockvar v + :let v = 'asdf' " fails! + :unlet v +< *E741* + If you try to change a locked variable you get an + error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked" + + [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or + |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes: + 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself, + cannot add or remove items, but can + still change their values. + 2 Also lock the values, cannot change + the items. If an item is a |List| or + |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove + items, but can still change the + values. + 3 Like 2 but for the |List| / + |Dictionary| in the |List| / + |Dictionary|, one level deeper. + The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List| + or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed. + *E743* + For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth]. + However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch + loops. + + Note that when two variables refer to the same |List| + and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be + locked when used through the other variable. + Example: > + :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3] + :let cl = l + :lockvar l + :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work! +< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this. + See |deepcopy()|. + + +:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo* + Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the + opposite of |:lockvar|. + + +:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580* +:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else" + or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero. + + From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in + between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two + commands were just to allow for future expansions in a + backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note + that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else" + part was not executed either. + + You can use this to remain compatible with older + versions: > + :if version >= 500 + : version-5-specific-commands + :endif +< The commands still need to be parsed to find the + "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a + new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as + a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can + avoid problems: > + :if version >= 600 + : execute "silent 1,$delete" + :endif +< + NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work + properly in between ":if" and ":endif". + + *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583* +:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else" + or ":endif" if they previously were not being + executed. + + *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584* +:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there + is no extra ":endif". + +:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw* + *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733* +:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile", + as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero. + When an error is detected from a command inside the + loop, execution continues after the "endwhile". + Example: > + :let lnum = 1 + :while lnum <= line("$") + :call FixLine(lnum) + :let lnum = lnum + 1 + :endwhile +< + NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work + properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop. + +:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732* +:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor* + Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for + each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the + value of each item. + When an error is detected for a command inside the + loop, execution continues after the "endfor". + Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are + used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: > + :for item in copy(mylist) +< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the + next item in the list, before executing the commands + with the current item. Thus the current item can be + removed without effect. Removing any later item means + it will not be found. Thus the following example + works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): > + for item in mylist + call remove(mylist, 0) + endfor +< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or + reverse()) may have unexpected effects. + Note that the type of each list item should be + identical to avoid errors for the type of {var} + changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop + to allow multiple item types: > + for item in ["foo", ["bar"]] + echo item + unlet item " E706 without this + endfor + +:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist} +:endfo[r] + Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be + a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1}, + {var2}, etc. Example: > + :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]] + :echo getline(lnum)[col] + :endfor +< + *:continue* *:con* *E586* +:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back + to the start of the loop. + If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but + before the matching |:finally| (if present), the + commands following the ":finally" up to the matching + |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to + all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost + ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop. + + *:break* *:brea* *E587* +:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to + the command after the matching ":endwhile" or + ":endfor". + If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but + before the matching |:finally| (if present), the + commands following the ":finally" up to the matching + |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to + all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost + ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop. + +:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602* +:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between + ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being + executed across ":source" commands, function calls, + or autocommand invocations. + + When an error or interrupt is detected and there is + a |:finally| command following, execution continues + after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the + ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next + (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for + a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script + processing is terminated. (Whether a function + definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.) + Example: > + :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry + :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above +< + Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside + ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It + can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw| + command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script + processing is not terminated. + + The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt + exception. An error in a Vim command is converted + to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}", + other errors are converted to a value of the form + "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name, + and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the + error exception is not caught, always beginning with + the error number. + Examples: > + :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry + :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry +< + *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605* +:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|, + |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same + |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception + matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet + been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these + commands are skipped. + When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught. + Examples: > + :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C) + :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors + :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts + :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write + :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123 + :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception + :catch /.*/ " catch everything + :catch " same as /.*/ +< + Another character can be used instead of / around the + {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special + meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside + {pattern}. + NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of + an error message because it may vary in different + locales. + + *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607* +:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry| + are executed whenever the part between the matching + |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling + through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|, + |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or + interrupt or exception (see |:throw|). + + *:th* *:throw* *E608* +:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception. + If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the + first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped + until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached. + If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is + used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the + commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to + the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw" + is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry" + are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies + again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try" + (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing + script), until a matching ":catch" has been found. + If the exception is not caught, the command processing + is terminated. + Example: > + :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry +< + + *:ec* *:echo* +:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The + first {expr1} starts on a new line. + Also see |:comment|. + Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the + cursor to the first column. + Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command. + Cannot be followed by a comment. + Example: > + :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell +< *:echo-redraw* + A later redraw may make the message disappear again. + And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's + finished with a sequence of commands this happens + quite often. To avoid that a command from before the + ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often + postponed until you type something), force a redraw + with the |:redraw| command. Example: > + :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window" +< + *:echon* +:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see + |:comment|. + Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command. + Cannot be followed by a comment. + Example: > + :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell +< + Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a + Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell + command: > + :!echo % --> filename +< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. > + :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename" +< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double + quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. > + :echo % --> nothing +< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. > + :echo "%" --> % +< This just echoes the '%' character. > + :echo expand("%") --> filename +< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'. + + *:echoh* *:echohl* +:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following + |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used + for the |input()| prompt. Example: > + :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None +< Don't forget to set the group back to "None", + otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted. + + *:echom* *:echomsg* +:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the + message in the |message-history|. + Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the + |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are + displayed, not interpreted. + The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|, + more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first + evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything. + The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a + Dictionary or List causes an error. + Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command. + Example: > + :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see." +< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing + when the screen is redrawn. + *:echoe* *:echoerr* +:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the + message in the |message-history|. When used in a + script or function the line number will be added. + Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the + :echo command. When used inside a try conditional, + the message is raised as an error exception instead + (see |try-echoerr|). + Example: > + :echoerr "This script just failed!" +< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|. + And to get a beep: > + :exe "normal \<Esc>" +< + *:exe* *:execute* +:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation + of {expr1} as an Ex command. + Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in + between. To avoid the extra space use the "." + operator to concatenate strings into one argument. + {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line + editing keys are not recognized. + Cannot be followed by a comment. + Examples: > + :execute "buffer" nextbuf + :execute "normal" count . "w" +< + ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands + that don't accept a '|'. Example: > + :execute '!ls' | echo "theend" + +< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type + control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal" + command: > + :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>" +< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|. + + Be careful to correctly escape special characters in + file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used + for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands. + Examples: > + :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename) + :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1) +< + Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but + you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if" + command. Thus this is illegal: > + :execute 'while i > 5' + :execute 'echo "test" | break' +< + It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command + completely in the executed string: > + :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile' +< + + *:exe-comment* + ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by + a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the + start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a + comment. Example: > + :echo "foo" | "this is a comment + +============================================================================== +8. Exception handling *exception-handling* + +The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section +explains how it can be used in a Vim script. + +Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see +|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an +exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|. + + +TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals* + +Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can +use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or +a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup). + A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching +|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start +a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may +be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause, +which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch +clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. > + + :try + : ... + : ... TRY BLOCK + : ... + :catch /{pattern}/ + : ... + : ... CATCH CLAUSE + : ... + :catch /{pattern}/ + : ... + : ... CATCH CLAUSE + : ... + :finally + : ... + : ... FINALLY CLAUSE + : ... + :endtry + +The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the +appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions +from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions. + When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control +is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the +script continues with the line following the ":endtry". + When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining +lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the +patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause +after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not +executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or +":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause +(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution +continues in the following line as usual. + When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the +":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by +that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the +finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of +the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after +the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere, +see |try-nesting|. + When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the +remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is +not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same +try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however, +a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its +execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new +exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|. + When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is +thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally +clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the +catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands +following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally +clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|. + +The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for +a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the +try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed +from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or +sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or +":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the +":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown +from the finally clause. + When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete +try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally +clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break", +":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally +clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break", +":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause, +this pending exception or command is discarded. + +For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|. + + +NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting* + +Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try +conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally +clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not +catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one +of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is +checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the +try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but +otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for +nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer +one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing +the inner try conditional. + +When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their +finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates. +An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly +thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions +implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown +as usual. + +For examples see |throw-catch|. + + +EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine* + +Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set +'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your +script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or +finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in +a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode +(see |debug-scripts|). + + +THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch* + +You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command +and pass the value to be thrown as argument: > + :throw 4711 + :throw "string" +< *throw-expression* +You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated +first, and the result is thrown: > + :throw 4705 + strlen("string") + :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6) + +An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw" +command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned. +The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception. + Example: > + + :function! Foo(arg) + : try + : throw a:arg + : catch /foo/ + : endtry + : return 1 + :endfunction + : + :function! Bar() + : echo "in Bar" + : return 4710 + :endfunction + : + :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar() + +This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not +executed. > + :throw Foo("foo") + Bar() +however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711. + +Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be +abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The +exception is then propagated to the caller of the command. + Example: > + + :if Foo("arrgh") + : echo "then" + :else + : echo "else" + :endif + +Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed. + + *catch-order* +Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch| +commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch" +command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause +gets executed when a matching exception is caught. + Example: > + + :function! Foo(value) + : try + : throw a:value + : catch /^\d\+$/ + : echo "Number thrown" + : catch /.*/ + : echo "String thrown" + : endtry + :endfunction + : + :call Foo(0x1267) + :call Foo('string') + +The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown". +An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are +specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more +specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: > + + : catch /.*/ + : echo "String thrown" + : catch /^\d\+$/ + : echo "Number thrown" + +The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is +never taken. + + *throw-variables* +If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value +in the variable |v:exception|: > + + : catch /^\d\+$/ + : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception + +You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in +|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the +exception most recently caught as long it is not finished. + Example: > + + :function! Caught() + : if v:exception != "" + : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint + : else + : echo 'Nothing caught' + : endif + :endfunction + : + :function! Foo() + : try + : try + : try + : throw 4711 + : finally + : call Caught() + : endtry + : catch /.*/ + : call Caught() + : throw "oops" + : endtry + : catch /.*/ + : call Caught() + : finally + : call Caught() + : endtry + :endfunction + : + :call Foo() + +This displays > + + Nothing caught + Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4 + Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10 + Nothing caught + +A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line +number in the script or function where it has been used: > + + :function! LineNumber() + : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "") + :endfunction + :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry +< + *try-nested* +An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by +a surrounding try conditional: > + + :try + : try + : throw "foo" + : catch /foobar/ + : echo "foobar" + : finally + : echo "inner finally" + : endtry + :catch /foo/ + : echo "foo" + :endtry + +The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally +clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try +conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo". + + *throw-from-catch* +You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the +catch clause: > + + :function! Foo() + : throw "foo" + :endfunction + : + :function! Bar() + : try + : call Foo() + : catch /foo/ + : echo "Caught foo, throw bar" + : throw "bar" + : endtry + :endfunction + : + :try + : call Bar() + :catch /.*/ + : echo "Caught" v:exception + :endtry + +This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar". + + *rethrow* +There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw +"v:exception" instead: > + + :function! Bar() + : try + : call Foo() + : catch /.*/ + : echo "Rethrow" v:exception + : throw v:exception + : endtry + :endfunction +< *try-echoerr* +Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt +exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions. +Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception +denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing +the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: > + + :try + : try + : asdf + : catch /.*/ + : echoerr v:exception + : endtry + :catch /.*/ + : echo v:exception + :endtry + +This code displays + + Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~ + + +CLEANUP CODE *try-finally* + +Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the +user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in +an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of +a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without +catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with +a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on +normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt. +(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted +to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally +clause has been executed.) +Example: > + + :try + : let s:saved_ts = &ts + : set ts=17 + : + : " Do the hard work here. + : + :finally + : let &ts = s:saved_ts + : unlet s:saved_ts + :endtry + +This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script +changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of +that function or script part. + + *break-finally* +Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by +a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish". + Example: > + + :let first = 1 + :while 1 + : try + : if first + : echo "first" + : let first = 0 + : continue + : else + : throw "second" + : endif + : catch /.*/ + : echo v:exception + : break + : finally + : echo "cleanup" + : endtry + : echo "still in while" + :endwhile + :echo "end" + +This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". > + + :function! Foo() + : try + : return 4711 + : finally + : echo "cleanup\n" + : endtry + : echo "Foo still active" + :endfunction + : + :echo Foo() "returned by Foo" + +This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an +extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the +return value.) + + *except-from-finally* +Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in +a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the +cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error +exceptions might get raised from a finally clause. + Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from +working correctly: > + + :try + : try + : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt" + : while 1 + : endwhile + : finally + : unlet novar + : endtry + :catch /novar/ + :endtry + :echo "Script still running" + :sleep 1 + +If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should +think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see +|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|. + + +CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors* + +If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be +watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The +presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an +exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find +the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of +the error exception is. + Error exceptions have the following format: > + + Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg} +or > + Vim:{errmsg} + +{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when +the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced +when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with +a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and +a space. + +Examples: + +The command > + :unlet novar +normally produces the error message > + E108: No such variable: "novar" +which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception > + Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar" + +The command > + :dwim +normally produces the error message > + E492: Not an editor command: dwim +which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception > + Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim + +You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a > + :catch /^Vim(unlet):/ +or all errors for misspelled command names by a > + :catch /^Vim:E492:/ + +Some error messages may be produced by different commands: > + :function nofunc +and > + :delfunction nofunc +both produce the error message > + E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc +which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception > + Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc +or > + Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc +respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the +command that caused it if you use the following pattern: > + :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/ + +Some commands like > + :let x = novar +produce multiple error messages, here: > + E121: Undefined variable: novar + E15: Invalid expression: novar +Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific +one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by > + :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/ + +You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by > + :catch /\<nofunc\>/ + +You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by > + :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/ + +You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern > + :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/ +< + *catch-text* +NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: > + :catch /No such variable/ +only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected +a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to +cite the message text in a comment: > + :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable + + +IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors* + +You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: > + + :try + : write + :catch + :endtry + +But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could +catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could +be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: > + + :au BufWritePre * unlet novar + +There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script +writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would +then hide the error from the user. + It is much better to use > + + :try + : write + :catch /^Vim(write):/ + :endtry + +which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore +intentionally. + +For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could +even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!" +command: > + :silent! nunmap k +This works also when a try conditional is active. + + +CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt* + +When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to +the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The +script is not terminated, then. + Example: > + + :function! TASK1() + : sleep 10 + :endfunction + + :function! TASK2() + : sleep 20 + :endfunction + + :while 1 + : let command = input("Type a command: ") + : try + : if command == "" + : continue + : elseif command == "END" + : break + : elseif command == "TASK1" + : call TASK1() + : elseif command == "TASK2" + : call TASK2() + : else + : echo "\nIllegal command:" command + : continue + : endif + : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ + : echo "\nCommand interrupted" + : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt. + : endtry + :endwhile + +You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for +a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated. + +For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in +your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt| +command on that line. See |debug-scripts|. + + +CATCHING ALL *catch-all* + +The commands > + + :catch /.*/ + :catch // + :catch + +catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions +explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of +a script in order to catch unexpected things. + Example: > + + :try + : + : " do the hard work here + : + :catch /MyException/ + : + : " handle known problem + : + :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ + : echo "Script interrupted" + :catch /.*/ + : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")" + : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint + :endtry + :" end of script + +Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are +strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by +specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch". + Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script +by pressing CTRL-C: > + + :while 1 + : try + : sleep 1 + : catch + : endtry + :endwhile + + +EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd* + +Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: > + + :autocmd User x try + :autocmd User x throw "Oops!" + :autocmd User x catch + :autocmd User x echo v:exception + :autocmd User x endtry + :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!" + :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed" + : + :try + : doautocmd User x + :catch + : echo v:exception + :endtry + +This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!". + + *except-autocmd-Pre* +For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the +command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence +of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are +abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command. + Example: > + + :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL" + :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed" + : + :try + : write + :catch + : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint + :endtry + +Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as +you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre +autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the +script displays: > + + Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*" +< + *except-autocmd-Post* +For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the +command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside +an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception +is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command. + Example: > + + :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!" + : + :try + : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e + :catch + : echo v:exception + :endtry + +This just displays: > + + Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e) + +If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action +fails, trigger the event from the catch clause. + Example: > + + :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly + :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly + : + :try + : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e + :catch + : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e + :endtry +< +You can also use ":silent!": > + + :let x = "ok" + :let v:errmsg = "" + :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != "" + :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail" + :autocmd BufWritePost * endif + :try + : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e + :catch + :endtry + :echo x + +This displays "after fail". + +If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the +autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: > + + :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-(" + :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed" + : + :try + : write + :catch + : echo v:exception + :endtry +< + *except-autocmd-Cmd* +For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of +autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller +of the command. + Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file +had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in +some way. > + + :if !exists("cnt") + : let cnt = 0 + : + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1 + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2 + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError" + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0 + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError" + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!" + : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif + :endif + : + :try + : write + :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/ + : if &modified + : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)" + : else + : echo "Error after writing" + : endif + :catch /^Vim(write):/ + : echo "Error on writing" + :endtry + +When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays +first > + File successfully written! +then > + Error on writing (file contents not changed) +then > + Error after writing +etc. + + *except-autocmd-ill* +You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events. +The following code is ill-formed: > + + :autocmd BufWritePre * try + : + :autocmd BufWritePost * catch + :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception + :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry + : + :write + + +EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param* + +Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to +pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do +similar things in Vim. + In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete +class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the +string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library. + When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add +it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)" +for an error when writing "myfile". + With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for +base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in +parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command. + Example: > + + :function! CheckRange(a, func) + : if a:a < 0 + : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")" + : endif + :endfunction + : + :function! Add(a, b) + : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add") + : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add") + : let c = a:a + a:b + : if c < 0 + : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" + : endif + : return c + :endfunction + : + :function! Div(a, b) + : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div") + : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div") + : if (a:b == 0) + : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV" + : endif + : return a:a / a:b + :endfunction + : + :function! Write(file) + : try + : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file) + : catch /^Vim(write):/ + : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR" + : endtry + :endfunction + : + :try + : + : " something with arithmetics and I/O + : + :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/ + : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "") + : echo "Range error in" function + : + :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV + : echo "Math error" + : + :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/ + : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "") + : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "") + : if file !~ '^/' + : let file = dir . "/" . file + : endif + : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"' + : + :catch /^EXCEPT/ + : echo "Unspecified error" + : + :endtry + +The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use +a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself +exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim. + Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that +failed, if known. See |catch-errors|. + + +PECULIARITIES + *except-compat* +The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the +exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses +and/or a catch clause. + +In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions +continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command +after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside +functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile" +or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions +(thus, requiring the immediate abortion). + +This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using +immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try +conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can +be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate +termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without +catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination +by specifying a finally clause.) + +When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation +behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of +scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier. + +However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling +commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try +conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing +script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the +error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error +messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing +|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is +not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause +where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce +error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new +scripts. + + *except-syntax-err* +Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of +the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally +clauses, however, is executed. + Example: > + + :try + : try + : throw 4711 + : catch /\(/ + : echo "in catch with syntax error" + : catch + : echo "inner catch-all" + : finally + : echo "inner finally" + : endtry + :catch + : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"' + : finally + : echo "outer finally" + :endtry + +This displays: > + inner finally + outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \(" + outer finally +The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead. + + *except-single-line* +The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on +a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the +"catch" line, thus you better avoid this. + Example: > + :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry +raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!" +argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the +error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets +displayed. + + *except-several-errors* +When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is +usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception. + Example: > + echo novar +causes > + E121: Undefined variable: novar + E15: Invalid expression: novar +The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: > + Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar +< *except-syntax-error* +But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command, +the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown. + Example: > + unlet novar # +causes > + E108: No such variable: "novar" + E488: Trailing characters +The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: > + Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters +This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way +not intended by the user. Example: > + try + try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry + catch /.*/ + echo "outer catch:" v:exception + endtry +This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then +a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|. + +============================================================================== +9. Examples *eval-examples* + +Printing in Binary ~ +> + :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number. + :func Nr2Bin(nr) + : let n = a:nr + : let r = "" + : while n + : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r + : let n = n / 2 + : endwhile + : return r + :endfunc + + :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a + :" binary string, separated with dashes. + :func String2Bin(str) + : let out = '' + : for ix in range(strlen(a:str)) + : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix])) + : endfor + : return out[1:] + :endfunc + +Example of its use: > + :echo Nr2Bin(32) +result: "100000" > + :echo String2Bin("32") +result: "110011-110010" + + +Sorting lines ~ + +This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. > + + :func SortBuffer() + : let lines = getline(1, '$') + : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp")) + : call setline(1, lines) + :endfunction + +As a one-liner: > + :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp"))) + + +scanf() replacement ~ + *sscanf* +There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a +line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows +how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like +"foobar.txt, 123, 45". > + :" Set up the match bit + :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)' + :"get the part matching the whole expression + :let l = matchstr(line, mx) + :"get each item out of the match + :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '') + :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '') + :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '') + +The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file", +"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes) + + +getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~ + *scriptnames-dictionary* +The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that +have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this +(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this +code can be used: > + " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable. + let scriptnames_output = '' + redir => scriptnames_output + silent scriptnames + redir END + + " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the + " "scripts" dictionary. + let scripts = {} + for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n") + " Only do non-blank lines. + if line =~ '\S' + " Get the first number in the line. + let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+') + " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ". + let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '') + " Add an item to the Dictionary + let scripts[nr] = name + endif + endfor + unlet scriptnames_output + +============================================================================== +10. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature* + +When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression +evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts +to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still +recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if" +and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but +only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not +recognized. + +Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is +missing: > + + :if 1 + : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in" + :else + : echo "You will _never_ see this message" + :endif + +============================================================================== +11. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48* + +The 'foldexpr', 'formatexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and +'foldtext' options may be evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are +protected from these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some +safety for when these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when +the command from a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line. +The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command. + +These items are not allowed in the sandbox: + - changing the buffer text + - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands + - setting certain options (see |option-summary|) + - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794* + - executing a shell command + - reading or writing a file + - jumping to another buffer or editing a file + - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands +This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks. + + *:san* *:sandbox* +:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an + option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g. + 'foldexpr'. + + *sandbox-option* +A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may +have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is +restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure +location. Insecure in this context are: +- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory +- while executing in the sandbox +- value coming from a modeline + +Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the +option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox. + +============================================================================== +12. Textlock *textlock* + +In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump +to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim +is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is +actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may +happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position. + +This is not allowed when the textlock is active: + - changing the buffer text + - jumping to another buffer or window + - editing another file + - closing a window or quitting Vim + - etc. + + + vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: |